Nipple fissures are painful cracks on the skin of the nipple and areola. Nipple fissures are common during pregnancy and when nursing, but cracked nipples may occur as a result of friction in some athletes.

People who experience nipple fissures should treat them with care, as it is possible for the area to become infected.

Home treatments can provide relief in many cases, though there are times when it is important to see a doctor. Preventing nipple fissures before they happen is the best way to avoid symptoms and complications.

Fast facts on nipple fissure:

  • Nipple fissures are common during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
  • Knowing what causes them is the best way to prevent them from happening again.
  • Antiseptic creams may help prevent infection while the nipples heal.
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There are a variety of reasons why nipple fissures occur:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

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Nipple fissures may appear if a woman has problems with breastfeeding.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the breasts to become more full. The extra fullness can stretch the skin and irritate the areola and nipple, which may lead to fissures.

Women who have problems with breast-feeding may also develop nipple fissures. If the baby does not latch on correctly, they may put too much force on the sensitive skin of the nipple and areola. This could cause unnecessary irritation.

Nipple fissures may also be a symptom of thrush, which is a fungal infection.

While nipple fissures are often dry cracks, too much moisture may also be responsible for these symptoms. This may be due to breast-feeding for too long or the nipples being damp for an extended period, either from leakage, wet nursing pads, or too much ointment.

While nipple fissures tend to be prevalent in pregnant and breast-feeding women, the cracks can occur in anyone.

Friction

Too much friction may also irritate the nipple area. For example, long-distance runners might develop what is known as jogger’s nipple or runner’s nipple.

Friction from the cloth of a loose shirt or a poorly fitting bra can rub against the sensitive nipple skin, causing chafing, cracks, and even bleeding. Nipple fissures caused by friction may also occur in surfers and bodyboarders due to the board and seawater rubbing against the nipples while paddling.

Certain fabrics may be more irritating than others, with synthetic fibers, such as nylon, often causing more damage.

Allergic reaction

Nipple fissures may also be due to an allergic reaction to something touching the skin. These allergens can be chemicals or fragrances in products such as:

  • laundry detergent
  • fabric softener
  • shampoo or conditioner
  • soap or shower gel
  • lotion or moisturizer
  • perfume

If irritation and nipple fissures occur after applying a product, it is possible that the person’s skin is sensitive to the chemicals or fragrances in that product. Dermatologists may be able to recommend replacements to prevent the symptoms from coming back.

Depending on the cause, nipple fissures can develop on one or both nipples. Symptoms can vary from person-to-person, but the trademark symptom is cracked, painful skin on the nipple or areola. It may also be accompanied by:

  • chapped, dry skin
  • open cracks that may ooze or bleed
  • redness
  • soreness
  • crusty or flaky skin
  • scabs forming in the area
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Studies suggest that peppermint oil may help to keep treat nipple fissures.

Many people find that keeping the affected nipple and surrounding skin slightly moist with a natural oil or moisturizer is an essential first step to treatment.

A study posted to the Journal of Caring Sciences found that lanolin, peppermint oil, and dexpanthenol creams all had a similar effect on nipple trauma in breast-feeding women. Some people are concerned, however, that the use of any nipple cream may interfere with the natural environment where newborns establish breast-feeding.

It is important to remember that too much moisture may make symptoms worse. Women who are breast-feeding should avoid non-breathable bra pads, as they can hold too much moisture against the nipple.

During pregnancy, the glands surrounding the nipples secrete a natural oil that lubricates and discourages bacteria. When washing this area, women should use only clean water that does not strip away this natural protection.

Breast-feeding women may find relief from bathing their nipples in warm water and applying warm compresses to help soothe any irritation after the baby has fed. Expressing some milk and rubbing it into the nipples before each feeding or pumping may also soothe irritation.

Some people may find similar relief by applying diluted peppermint oil or peppermint water to the affected nipples between feeding.

Breast-feeding women with nipple fissures may also be able to avoid further complications by encouraging the baby to latch onto the breast with a full mouth, alternating breasts at each feed, or using a nipple shell between feeds to allow air to circulate to the nipple.

Using a nipple shield during breast-feeding may keep the nipple too moist, which might make symptoms worse.

Athletes can often help the fissures heal by avoiding loose, rough, or scratchy shirts and covering the nipples with soft gauze or waterproof bandages while active.

If symptoms are left untreated, nipple fissures can lead to more serious complications, such as inflammation or infections. Breast infections may cause abscesses to form, which could require antibiotics, laceration, and drainage.

Nipple thrush is a possible complication in breast-feeding women. Babies with thrush may pass germs from their mouth into the breast milk. The Candida yeast that causes thrush can thrive in the warm, dark environment within the milk ducts, possibly leading to an infection. Many women find that cleaning the nipple in warm water after feeding can help remove the excess milk that may be home to germs.

While most people can treat nipple fissures successfully at home, there are occasions when it is better to see a doctor. A doctor should diagnose symptoms that get worse or do not go away with treatment.

A doctor should also check out very painful or irritated nipples that make a person’s daily life difficult. Anyone who has signs of infection should visit their doctor for proper treatment. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the nipple and surrounding skin.

Women who have developed nipple fissures through breast-feeding may want to talk to a doctor or pediatrician for support. A professional may offer breast-feeding tips or refer the woman to a lactation coach.

There are several ways that a person can reduce the chances of developing nipple fissure:

Sports

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Wearing rash guards when surfing and bodyboarding is recommended to avoid chafing.

If nipple fissure is caused by friction during sports, a person could try changing the type of fabric they wear or place waterproof bandages over the nipples to help reduce friction and avoid fissures.

Some runners, surfers, and other athletes may find that applying an anti-chafing balm to their nipples before they exercise can help reduce friction.

Many surfers and bodyboarders simply wear rash guards or wetsuits to avoid irritation.

Tight fitting clothing that helps wick sweat away from the body may help some. Female athletes should be sure to wear a well-fitting sports bra to support the breasts and avoid unnecessary friction.

Breast-feeding

To prevent or reduce the chances of developing nipple fissures, a breast-feeding woman should ensure that she does certain things each time the baby latches on.

While breast-feeding may cause discomfort at first, it is important for both mother and baby to be comfortable during breast-feeding. If the baby has not latched on correctly or if feeding is causing pain, it is best to reposition them. Both mother and child should be relaxed, and the baby should not have to turn their head or body while feeding, as it could pull at the nipple and irritate it further.

Helping the baby latch onto the breast accurately during feeding can also help prevent irritation. The baby should take the entire nipple and part of the areola into their mouth during feeding. Having a full mouth helps keep them from biting down too hard on one part of the nipple, which could irritate the skin.

An allergic reaction

If nipple fissure is caused by an allergic reaction to something, then identifying the irritant and avoiding it however possible may prevent symptoms developing. A person might choose to visit a dermatologist who can carry out some tests to identify potential allergens.

Nipple fissures can be a source of pain and discomfort, but treating them is usually straightforward. Breast-feeding women who have nipple fissures may need to change their feeding habits to continue feeding a baby. In some situations, prevention may be the best option.

Anyone with symptoms that get worse or do not improve should see a doctor to avoid complications.