What causes breast swelling and itchy nipples?

Breast swelling and itchy nipples may be caused by inappropriate and unhygienic underwear, or by diseases such as nipple inflammation and eczema. Therefore, female friends should understand the causes of breast swelling and itchy nipples. For cases of breast swelling and itchy nipples, we should pay attention to choosing appropriate clothes and pay attention to the hygiene of the breast skin to avoid bacterial infection.

Causes of breast pain and nipple itching in women

1. Excessive friction of underwear

The underwear material is too soft or too hard, or the size is inappropriate, which sometimes causes the material to be too hard or the underwear to be too tight, resulting in excessive friction between the nipples or poor breathability, which can easily cause nipple itching.

2. Nipple dermatitis

Irritating drugs can easily cause nipple allergies, or abrasions, bruises, scratches, or bacterial or fungal infections may cause nipple dermatitis, leading to nipple itching.

3. Eczema

It is the most common cause of breast itching and can occur in people of all ages. People with a history of allergies or a family history of allergies are more likely to develop eczema. Environmental triggers of eczema include dry skin, prolonged bathing, dyes and fragrances in skin care products, detergents, environmental allergens such as wool and foam, and stress. It is usually diagnosed by physical examination and medical history. Most treatments are topical, such as steroid creams. In addition, experts suggest that patient self-care and protection are also very important for alleviating eczema. Most importantly, avoid known allergy triggers. Try to keep your skin naturally moisturized. Try to use less soap and avoid long hot baths.

4. In the ovulation period

Because the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body increase before menstruation, and women suffer from more serious liver disease, estrogen cannot be completely broken down, which may cause breast tenderness around ovulation, accompanied by discomfort such as nipple itching.

5. Liver depression and qi stagnation

From a medical point of view, nipples belong to the liver and breasts belong to the kidneys. Qi stagnation and blood stasis or qi and blood deficiency can cause nipple itching and breast swelling in women during or after menstruation.

6. Breast hyperplasia

Due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone levels and the increase in aldosterone secretion, the mammary ducts may dilate, the breast epithelial cells may proliferate and hypertrophy, and the matrix around the breast may edema, thus causing premenstrual breast pain or worsening of premenstrual pain. A small number of people may also have nipple itching, which may resolve or disappear on its own after menstruation. If this condition persists for a long time, it may be caused by breast hyperplasia.

7. Paget's disease

It is a rare breast cancer that causes hypopigmented spots to appear on the nipple and areola in a reticular pattern. This is the most worrisome cause of nipple itching. The initial symptoms are itching or burning of the nipple and areola, accompanied by the appearance of crusty skin. There was no improvement after medical treatment. Yellow or bloody discharge may also appear at the lesion site. This disease only affects one side, and most patients are between 50 and 60 years old. The diagnosis is confirmed by clinical breast examination, patient history, mammogram, and ultrasound.

8. Pubertal development problems

During puberty, female breasts begin to develop rapidly. Of course, the nipples also grow quickly. At this time, attention must be paid to local hygiene. Because of rapid development, secretions increase, providing conditions for the growth of various bacteria. If you do not pay attention to local hygiene and use poor quality shower gels, soaps and bra fabrics, etc., it may cause dryness and peeling, making it inevitable that nipples will become itchy and unbearable. It is recommended to wash the breasts and nipples every night with warm water and a mild, high-quality soap.

9. Itchy nipples in late pregnancy

This is a normal reaction to pregnancy. As time goes by, the milk foam and nipples will swell. You should rub them frequently with a hot towel to remove the white stuff. This is a very normal phenomenon.