(5)Sore nipples are a common complaint among women. In fact, nearly two-thirds of women suffer from it during their lifetime. It is most common in mothers who are breastfeeding their infants—80 percent experience nipple pain and soreness. Typically, it is due to the baby being unable to latch on properly during breastfeeding.
Other causes of sore nipples include wearing the wrong size bra, exercising without a proper sports bra, an injury on the chest area and excessive dry skin that causes cracks on the nipples.
It can also occur due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or premenstrual syndrome. Certain health problems like thrush, skin infection, mastitis and breast cancer can also lead to soreness.
Some of the symptoms of sore nipples include pain, tenderness, itchiness and swelling. At times, there can be discharge, such as pus or a white, watery fluid.
Nipples are one of the most sensitive parts of your body and when they become sore, it can cause great discomfort.
Most of the discomfort associated with sore nipples can be alleviated with over-the-counter medicines, creams or ointments. You can also try some simple, natural home remedies to get relief.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for sore nipples.
1. Breast Milk
If the cause is breastfeeding, you can use your own breast milk to heal sore, cracked, bleeding or blistered nipples. Breast milk has antibacterial as well as healing properties that help treat sore nipples.
- Apply a few drops of breast milk on the affected nipple before breastfeeding.
- After breastfeeding apply some milk again.
- Allow it to air dry thoroughly.
- Repeat the same for the other nipple.
- Follow this remedy a few times daily until the soreness subsides.
2. Warm Compress
To soothe sore nipples, you can apply a warm compress on the affected area. The heat from the compress can ease discomfort and aid healing.
- Dip a washcloth in warm water.
- Wring it out and then place it on your breasts for a couple of minutes.
- Do this at least 10 minutes before breastfeeding.
- Repeat this remedy several times a day until the soreness is gone.
A warm shower or heating pad can also help alleviate the discomforts of sore nipples.
3. Oil Massage
You can also treat sore nipples by massaging with oils like olive, coconut or sweet almond oil. The moisturizing property of these oils will help keep the affected area moisturized and reduce dryness. Plus, it will reduce the problems of cracks, tears or chapping, which can worsen the condition and delay healing.
- Heat a small amount of the oil of your choice in a microwave until warm.
- Apply the warm oil on the nipples and massage gently.
- Repeat several times a day.
Note: Before breastfeeding, make sure to wash your nipples thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining oil.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another very effective way to treat sore nipples fast. It has natural healing powers and pain-relieving properties.
- Cut open an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel.
- Apply this fresh gel on the affected areas and allow it to dry on its own.
- Clean the area with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
- Repeat several times a day for about three to four days.
Note: Never feed your baby until you have washed off the aloe vera with warm water. Aloe vera can cause diarrhea in small babies.
5. Basil Leaves
Basil leaves have healing properties that help cure many types of skin problems, including sore nipples. This herb speeds up the healing process of sore nipples as well as gives you relief from dryness, cracks, pain and even bleeding.
- Wash a handful of basil leaves and then grind them into a paste.
- Apply this paste on the nipples and allow it to air dry.
- Wash off the paste before feeding your baby.
- Follow this simple remedy three to five times daily for about a week.
6. Ice
To get temporary relief from pain caused by breastfeeding and sore nipples, you can massage the affected area with an ice cube. The cold temperature will numb the tender area as well as reduce swelling.
- Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel.
- Place the towel on the affected area for a couple of minutes.
- Repeat a few times daily between feedings until you feel better.
You can even use bags of frozen peas or carrots as an ice pack.
Good knowledge
Please sort out easy home remedies for infants. I m first time mom of twins( MA).facing too much difficulties. Colic gas in infants hiccups n other. Do post as soon as possible.moreover include some remedies to increase breast milk n tips fr breastfeeding as my twins got used to of bottlefeed 🙁
as long as the latching on technique is not sorted out properly, this problem will continue…..breast milk is the best that can be done on cracked and sore nipples, but first needs to be cleared up, that there is no fungus on the areola and the nipples, otherwise breast milk will feed the fungus…..change positions, use a lot of fresh air, no soap, oil, aloe vera etc. and forget about all the other remedies when it comes to areola and nipples, the situation is different if there is mastitis or galactostasia.
I am a 22 year old and had off late been suffering from nipple soreness. It might have been due to PMS, but my periods were still around 10 days away and that got me worried. I had tried massaging them, but even touching them slightly caused huge pain. Being shy, i couldn’t share my discomfort with anyone. That’s when i came across this webpage. And viola, the ‘applying of a cloth dipped in warm water’ worked wonders for me! Now the pain is reasonably less and my breasts feel normal again 🙂
hi I m suffering from nipple pain in a single breast around 4,5 months. I have pcod. I discussed with my doctor but no solution so can any one tell me the safe solution about pain…..