We’ve all been there. You’re sitting there, minding your own business, and your boob starts itching. Not a huge problem, right? Well…
If you’re frequently experiencing itchy boobs or nipples, it could be nothing, but it could require further exploration by your doctor. Beverly Hills OB/GYN Dr. Aliabadi was recently quoted in a Women’s Health article about what causes itchy boobs and what you can do about it. We wanted to make sure you got to read this useful information.
Itchy Nipples? 16 Possible Reasons Why You Can’t Stop Scratching Your Boobs
From a young age, you were probably taught the importance of breast health. And although you know you should do self-checks for lumps and other abnormalities, you may still have occasional concerns like itchy nipples.
It is one of many experiences that are just flat out uncomfortable, and determining the cause can be overwhelming and sometimes scary. There are several reasons why you may have itchy breasts, most of which are harmless.
“Itching is the result of inflammation or stimulation of nerves in the skin. This may be the result of dryness, allergic reactions, direct irritation, or even a result of internal health issues,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, of Zeichner Dermatology.
Most causes of itchy nipples can be easily treated with topical remedies (think: a hydrocortisone ointment) or eliminating irritants such as a poorly fitted bra. Read on for 16 potential reasons for itchy nipples and how to treat them.
It’s super dry outside.
The skin around your nipples is a lot more sensitive than the skin on other parts of your body, says Dr. Zeichner. This may make it more prone to irritation, dryness, and inflammation, especially in the fall or winter. “Cold, dry weather strips the skin of essential oils, disrupting the outer skin layer, resulting in loss of hydration and inflammation,” he explains.
How to treat it: If you’re experiencing dry or flaky skin, he suggests applying a moisturizer to help repair the skin barrier. “Look for ingredients like petrolatum, ceramides, or colloidal oatmeal,” says Dr. Zeichner, who often recommends Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Lotion, given that it helps build a protective seal over the skin without leaving you feeling sticky.
You have thyroid issues.
The thyroid is involved in the regulation of several organs, including your skin. “We know that when thyroid hormone levels are low, the skin can become dry which leads to itching,” says Dr. Zeichner. But itchy nipples aren’t the only possible symptom of hypothyroidism. Other symptoms include changes in your appetite, muscle aches, and fatigue, among others.
How to treat it: If you suspect you have symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels, consult your doctor, who can refer you to an endocrinologist if necessary for further evaluation.
You’re entering menopause.
Hormonal changes occur during menopause, like a drop in estrogen production. Now that your body is producing less estrogen, the end of menstruation can also have an effect on your skin, says ob-gyn Felice Gersh, MD. “Menopause is a state of estrogen deficiency, and estrogen is key to maintaining healthy skin. Without it, the skin atrophies and becomes drier,” she explains.
How to treat it: One way to avoid itchy nipples caused by menopause is to use a topical estrogen treatment, says Dr. Gersh. Consult your doctor about menopause hormone prescriptions.
Your period is coming.
As you may know, your period can be responsible for…well, a lot. And as it turns out, itchy nipples are a fairly common symptom of PMS. “Some women experience itchy nipples due to a hormonal influx of estrogen prior to their periods,” explains Thaïs Aliabadi, MD, an ob-gyn and co-founder of Trimly. “The breasts are very sensitive to estrogen levels, which can lead some women to have itchy nipples when they have PMS.”
How to treat it: To treat itchy nipples that stem from PMS, Dr. Aliabadi recommends using lotions, vaseline, and supplements to help with PMS symptoms such as vitamin B6 and magnesium.
Read the full article from Women’s Health.
Worried about itchy boobs? Talk to Dr. Aliabadi
If you’re frequently bothered by itchy boobs or nipples, you should talk to a doctor. In Beverly Hills, that doctor should be renowned OB/GYN Dr. Aliabadi. Dr. Aliabadi and her warm, caring team are here to provide state-of-the-art care for every stage of your life.
We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.
We take our patients’ safety very seriously. Our facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC and World Health Organization recommendations. Masks are required in our office at all times during the coronavirus pandemic.
The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.