Breast Nipple Pain is Normal, but Beware if it's Too Long

Roseous.com -  Breast Nipple Pain is Normal, but Beware if it's Too Long. Painful nipples are commonly experienced by a mother who is breastfeeding during the first week of breastfeeding (ASI). However, sometimes pain can occur prolonged, and women who are not breastfeeding can also experience sore nipples. Know the various causes, so you know when you need to see a doctor.

Not only breastfeeding factors, various other factors can be the cause of pain or discomfort in the nipples. Starting from the use of bras that are too tight to serious medical conditions, such as symptoms of breast cancer. For that, it is important for you to know the cause of sore nipples and when to be aware of them.

Breast Nipple Pain is Normal, but Beware if it's Too Long

Causes of Painful Breast Nipples

In general, here are some things that can cause sore nipples:

• Problems while breastfeeding

Various problems that arise when breastfeeding can cause pain in the nipple, for example when the baby cannot suckle properly. The mother's nipple may be too far from the baby's mouth, so she has to pull the nipple into her mouth, then pinch it with a hard palate that ultimately hurts the mother's nipple. If this happens, don't force the nipple out forcefully. Insert your mother's finger into the baby's mouth and slowly pull the mother's nipple. After that, repeat the process of breastfeeding properly and correctly. Another problem is when the baby starts to grow teeth and change the way he suckles. This is because babies do not feel comfortable with their teeth, so they tend to bite the mother's nipples. You can avoid biting your nipples by making sure the baby's mouth is wide open when feeding. Painful nipples are a common problem for nursing mothers.

• Mastitis

If the flow of milk does not run smoothly during nursing mothers, the milk canal can become inflamed or called mastitis. Symptoms include the appearance of redness in the affected part of the breast, redness, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and weakness. To help reduce pain you can do a number of ways such as breastfeeding your baby more often, breastfeed the baby in the affected breast first, squeeze the breast using your hands if the breasts still feel full after breastfeeding, compress the breast with warm water or bathe with warm water before feeding, and rest enough.

• Breast abscess

The formation of pus in the breast or called a breast abscess can also cause pain. This can be caused by bacteria that enter the breast tissue, or caused by a blocked milk duct. Abscesses are often associated with mastitis, or can be caused by a wound in the breast, for example after piercing the nipples. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and burning around the nipples. Pus in the breast needs to be removed and treated with antibiotics from the doctor.

• Candidiasis

Fungal infections or candidiasis in the nipples can cause nipple pain. Symptoms include pain in one or both breasts, the pain can last up to one hour after breastfeeding, the nipples appear to crack, dry, or feel sore. Symptoms of candidiasis can be felt a few weeks after starting breastfeeding. However, there can also be no symptoms of infection at all in the mother's breast. In the baby's mouth, can appear canker sores in the form of white spots. When it's like this, both mother and baby need treatment with antifungal creams or gels or drugs taken.

• Hormonal changes

Breast nipples are painful or uncomfortable is a common thing experienced by women in the monthly cycle, usually during premenstruation. This is triggered by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. No need to worry, because usually this is a normal condition. In addition to the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes in pregnant women can also make the breast feel fuller, heavier, and sick. In addition, the areola or dark circles around the nipples become wider and darker in color. Pregnant women experience this condition when 6-8 weeks of gestation. To minimize pressure and discomfort in the breast, use a comfortable bra of the right size. Choose a cotton bra. Pregnant women can also use a special bra to sleep at night.

• Skin irritation

Breast nipples are very sensitive areas and can react to changes in the surrounding environment, for example due to the use of soap, detergents for washing, certain clothing materials such as wool, or hot or cold weather. Skin irritation of the nipple can also occur due to allergies. Symptoms of skin irritation or dermatitis in the nipple include itching, nipple becoming reddish or bursting.

• Friction

When you move or exercise, your nipples can rub against your clothes and make them hurt. Therefore, use the right bra, such as a special bra for exercise. In addition, if the skin of the breast is already irritated, use a special cream for the nipple and breast before dressing. In addition to exercising, friction in the breast can also be caused by intensual activity, such as rough touching of the breast. Usually this pain is temporary.

• Breast cancer

In addition to the above factors, breast nipples can also be caused by breast cancer. The symptoms can be in the form of a lump in the breast, nipple pain, discharge from the nipple when not pregnant or breastfeeding, and the nipple is pulled in. Changes in the size, shape and color of the skin in the breast can also indicate the possibility of breast cancer. Because it's important to do routine breast examinations to detect early breast cancer.

Read more: 5 Causes of Headaches in the Back.

If you are a breastfeeding mother, sore nipples will not affect the baby directly. However, if the baby does not suckle properly and correctly, he will stop breastfeeding before getting enough milk. As a result, babies can have a low body weight. The best way to deal with this condition is to improve breastfeeding attachment. If the complaints of sore nipples do not improve after a few days, you are advised to see a doctor so that you can get the right treatment.