What Causes Itchy Nipples and Breasts?

Itchy nipples and breasts are usually not cause for concern. These symptoms may be a sign of changes in the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause. Itching may be a sign of contact dermatitis, mastitis, or yeast infection if you have skin inflammation.

It's rare, but itchy nipples and breasts can also be signs of breast cancer. You may see a healthcare provider if itching persists and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a lump in your breast or near your underarms, dimpling of the skin of your breast, or changes to the shape of your nipples.

Are Itchy Nipples and Breasts a Sign of Cancer?

Itchy nipples and breasts can sometimes be an early sign of certain types of breast cancer, but it's uncommon. You may talk to a healthcare provider if you develop itching and other changes to the nipples or breasts.

Paget's Disease of the Breast

Many types of breast cancer, some of which affect the skin, may cause itchy nipples and breasts. Paget disease of the breast is a rare disease that affects the skin of the nipple and usually the surrounding areola.

Paget disease of the breast can look similar to eczema. It sometimes causes yellow or bloody discharge from the nipple. The main signs and symptoms are itching, redness, scaling, and flakiness.

This condition typically affects one breast, specifically in the nipple area. See a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive form of cancer. It occurs when cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breasts.

IBC produces intense itching, rashes, or bug bite-like bumps on the breasts. The skin of the breast and nipple appear inflamed. It can look red or cause a thick, pitted appearance that resembles an orange peel.

See a healthcare provider if you have a mark or rash on the breast or nipple skin that's asymmetric (only on one side). Let them know if it doesn't improve over time or if it's bleeding. Keep in mind that IBC is rare, accounting for 1% to 5% of all cases of breast cancer.

Other Possible Causes

More common causes of itchy nipples and breasts include irritants, inflammatory skin conditions, and hormone changes. A healthcare provider can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend treatments to alleviate itching.

Contact Dermatitis

Chemicals found in soaps and detergents can trigger irritant contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis causes inflamed, red, or swollen skin after contact with a substance. The breasts can come into contact with soap in the shower and are almost always covered by fabric treated with laundry detergent.

"Tons of people will get a rash or red, flaky, itchy skin if they're exposed to an irritant soap or detergent in large enough quantities," Shari Lipner, MD, a dermatologist at the Weill Cornell Medical Center, told Health. You'll probably also feel scratchy on other parts of the body if a cleansing product is the cause of your itch.

Switch to an additive-free product and see if the itch goes away. Always opt for hypoallergenic detergents and fragrance-free soaps so it's unlikely to return.

Inflammatory Skin Conditions

An immune response can lead to skin irritation and itching. People with eczema commonly develop dry, itchy patches of skin in the folds of the arms or knees. Psoriasis causes raised red and white plaques on the scalp, elbows, and knees. Both are inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchiness on the nipples and the entire breast.

You can address the itch, whether your itchy nipples are due to one of these skin conditions or your skin is naturally on the dry side. Keep baths and showers short, and use warm water. Long periods in warm water can dry out the skin even more.

Opt for a very gentle soap, and pat yourself dry with a towel. Follow up with a good moisturizer: Thick creams or ointments generally work better than lotions.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can also trigger itching, especially around the nipple. Be sure to see a healthcare provider if the itch is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, swelling, chills, or fever. These are all signs and symptoms of mastitis. Mastitis is inflammation or infection of breast tissue that's common among breastfeeding people.

Pain and itching can also signal yeast infection thrush. Oral thrush is common among infants. The yeast can be passed to your nipples during breastfeeding.

Period or Menopause 

Hormone changes before or during your period can make your breasts feel tender. "When hormones fluctuate, the breasts tend to get more sensitive. That means they may be more prone to irritation and itching," Dr. Greves told Health.

Breasts also enlarge slightly at this time in your menstrual cycle. You feel the urge to scratch as the skin of your breasts and nipples stretch.

The transition to menopause, or perimenopause, also causes hormone changes that may cause itchy nipples. Menopause is the natural end of periods, which usually occurs between ages 45 to 55, with the average age in the US being 51.

Pregnancy

Hormone changes and weight gain during pregnancy cause the breasts and nipples to get larger. Stretching the skin in these areas can result in itchiness.

This kind of nipple and breast itch is temporary. The breasts and nipples typically return to their original size after delivery and breastfeeding. Christine Greves, MD, an OB-GYN and member of the Orlando Health Medical Group, suggested applying a hypoallergenic lotion to your chest after a shower to reduce itching.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-powered waves to treat cancer and has many side effects, including itching. It can change the texture of the area of skin that's absorbing it, increasing skin sensitivity and causing itching.

Your breasts and nipples can start itching if you're undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer, even when treatment sessions are over. Topical medications like corticosteroid cream can ease discomfort.

Research has found that corticosteroids reduce itching and improve the quality of life in people with breast cancer who receive radiation therapy. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new mediation.

Sports Bra Irritation

Your sports bra can leave your nipples and the skin of your breasts nipples are inflamed and itchy. "In this case, the skin will have a rash that looks more linear rather than red, scaly patches," said Dr. Lipner.

Less restrictive workout tops can be helpful. Try a supportive sports bra that isn't too tight and gives your nipples and breasts some breathing room. You may also apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to the itchy area before working out.

Surgery

Breast augmentation, reduction surgery, or surgery to remove breast cancer can cause itchy nipples or breasts. Your chest is likely to come in contact with moisture-trapping materials like tape and gauze that cause itching. Scar tissue that forms after a procedure can also make you want to scratch as you recover.

These are all normal post-surgical reactions. A healthcare provider can check out any redness, swelling, heat, pus, or pain. These signs and symptoms may signal improper healing or infection.

Yeast Infections

Sweat is mainly made of salt, which can dry the skin and cause itchy nipples. The skin under your breasts can also promote itching if sweat is left behind. Moisture can attract yeast and lead to a skin yeast infection.  

Wear breathable clothing to keep moisture from collecting under the skin. Make sure that you rinse off with soap after sweating.

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

You may see a healthcare provider if you develop itchy nipples and breasts, as well as signs and symptoms of breast cancer like:

• Breast pain
• Changes in the shape or size of your breasts
• Dimpling of the skin of the breasts, which makes it look like an orange peel
• Inverted nipples
• A new lump near the breasts or in the armpits
• Nipple discharge that occurs suddenly, is bloody, or only affects one breast
• Red, scaly, or swollen skin in the nipple area or breast
  

A Quick Review

Itchy nipples and breasts are common. These symptoms are typically caused by inflammatory conditions, irritants, or breast surgery. Hormone changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can also be the culprit. More severe causes include breast cancer and radiation therapy.

Consult a healthcare provider right away if you have itchy nipples and breasts accompanied by other breast cancer symptoms. These symptoms include a lump in your breast or near your underarms, dimpling of the skin of your breast, or changes to the shape of your nipples.