Inflammation of the nipples can talk about numerous problems associated with the mammary glands, they can occur in both men and women, regardless of age.
In order to avoid negative consequences, it is necessary to undergo a timely examination.
Inflammation of the nipples in women causes
Inflammation of the nipples in women has various causes. Nursing mothers face such problems due to the following reasons:
1. Lactostasis - stagnation of breast milk in the chest. More often occurs in the first days of lactation, the baby is not able to eat all the milk produced by the body.
2. The duct of the mammary gland is injured.
3. The nipple has an anatomical pathology.
4. The development of pathological microflora.
5. Small scratches in the nipple area lead to infection, resulting in inflammation and other consequences.
6. Other areas of the skin are inflamed, the infection from them enters the nipple.
7. As a result of labor, the immunity of the young mother is weakened.
8. The chest was exposed to cold.
Causes of nipple inflammation in non-lactating women:
1. The hormonal background is broken.
2. The development of thoracic radiculitis.
3. The mammary gland is injured, as a result of which it is susceptible to infection.
4. The woman suffered severe stress.
5. Breast tumor: benign or malignant.
With the development of the inflammatory process in the nipples, breast sensitivity will increase, possibly the appearance of a headache. In addition, the following symptoms are observed:
1. On palpation, seals are felt.
2. The body temperature rises, reaches a mark of 40 degrees.
3. Swelling.
4. Enlarged lymph nodes.
5. Infectious inflammation in the chest.
6. A blood test shows an excess of the normal level of white blood cells.
The doctor during the examination should pay attention to the symptoms, since the nature of the inflammatory processes in the nipple can talk about the development of many diseases:
Serous mastitis
With the development of the disease, in addition to inflammation of the nipples, there is a change in the color of the chest, compaction, the temperature does not increase. General condition is weakened, dizziness.
Chronic inflammation
Small palpations are palpated in the chest during palpation, there is practically no pain. The temperature does not exceed 37.6.
Breast abscess
This is a dangerous form of mastitis, a clear contour of the breast is affected, the nipple becomes inflamed, pus is secreted. The general state of health is weakened, the temperature rises to 40 degrees.
Gangrene
The disease is severe, the nipples become inflamed, become purple or blue. After some time, the chest will completely lose shape.
Inflammation of the nipples in a man
Inflammation of the nipples in men has different reasons, this is less common than in women, but it requires the same increased attention from medical personnel.
Impaired metabolism or endocrine system diseases
These pathologies often lead to inflammation of the nipples in men.
The main reason is a disturbed hormonal background, a decrease, or vice versa, an increase in the production of female hormones. Provoking factors - abuse of bad habits, diabetes, obesity, taking certain medications.
The second reason is getting mechanical injuries. A hematoma forms, possibly a secondary infection. Infection gets through exposed areas that are injured.
Can be diagnosed with puberty. The pathology will pass on its own, treatment is not required.
It manifests itself as inflammation of the nipples, a slight peeling around them, breast sensitivity is increased. The development of the disease will be accompanied by the addition of new symptoms - spotting from the nipples, the appearance of severe cutting pain.
The disease proceeds in three stages:
1. Serous, this is the initial stage. In the chest area, swelling, nipples are inflamed, and the breast is enlarged. On palpation, the identification of single formations. After a while, severe pain occurs, lymph nodes are inflamed under the armpits.
2. Infiltration - the release of leukocytes in an inflamed place, the formation of pus, with palpation, numerous seals. Body temperature rises.
3. Fluctuation - suppuration expressed, the affected area turns red, hyperthermia. The area of the nipples is inflamed, when you raise your hands up, severe pain occurs.
With the development of the first signs of the disease, it is necessary to visit a medical institution. Symptoms do not always indicate a severe course of the disease. They can go on their own, especially if the patient is in adolescence.
Inflammation of the nipples - what can not be done
Inflammation of the nipples occurs for many reasons, many are in a hurry to give themselves first aid, but do not think about whether such procedures will cause harm. Everything that can not be done with inflammation of the nipples should be known to everyone, as improper actions will complicate the further treatment process:
1. Do not wash your breasts, especially with soap. Under the influence of an alkaline environment, the skin on the damaged nipple will corrode, the protective layer will be erased.
2. Avoid antibiotic ointments, especially if your doctor has not advised them. Such preparations can be prescribed exclusively by a specialist when attaching a microbial or fungal infection.
3. Do not use zelenka and iodine to lubricate the nipples, the skin will dry out, possibly eroding the nipple.
4. Do not apply cotton wool previously moistened with alcohol. Under the influence of alcohol, the skin will become dry, it is possible to get a chemical burn.
5. Do not create a humid environment.
Nipple inflammation treatment
Treatment for sore nipples is usually always effective and does not take much time. It should be prescribed only by a specialized doctor - a mammologist, or a gynecologist.
Apply lanolin cream to damaged areas. It is designed to protect the skin and nipples. You can buy the drug in a pharmacy, if necessary, replace it with petrolatum.
Ice will help to cope with pain. Make an ice pack:
1. Wrap a small amount of ice in a bag and wrap with a towel to prevent frostbite.
2. You can hold the compress for no more than 20 minutes, otherwise, already irritated skin will be damaged.
The inflammation that occurs in nursing women can be eliminated in the following way:
1. Apply a warm compress to your chest. Replace it with other warming agents, such as a hairdryer, is not possible.
2. Do not take medications on your own. After feeding, pump out excess milk with a breast pump.
3. Squeeze the milk out of the nipple and lubricate the areola and directly the nipple itself. The substances contained in it will relieve pain and inflammation. Wait until it dries and only then dress.
If you experience severe pain, use a pain reliever. Be sure to combine medications (prescribed by your doctor) and other methods to eliminate inflammation. Acetaminophen is a good remedy; in addition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help. They are safe, it is allowed to use with breastfeeding, but you must consult your doctor in advance.
With prolonged pain, the doctor may prescribe danazol. The drug is used simultaneously for several purposes - it treats swelling, eliminates inflammation and irritation in the chest area. However, the drug has many contraindications.
A warning! With prolonged pain and inflammation in the nipples, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Cancer is possible, so action should be taken as soon as possible.
Ointment Actovegin and Solcoseryl are aimed at healing inflamed nipples, due to the fact that tissue trophism will be stimulated.
Inflammation caused by hydradenitis is treated with oral antibiotics, taken in courses. Outside, the inflamed area can be treated with a solution of salt. Levomekol helps well.
To open abscesses, you may need the help of surgeons, as well as ectasia of the milk ducts.
Some complications can lead to scarring. Danger to life arises with mastitis, however, if treatment measures are taken on time, negative consequences can be avoided.
Folk remedies
When using alternative medicine, you need to remember: infectious inflammation with the release of pus requires treatment with medications. Many home remedies for getting rid of inflammation in the nipples are offered:
1. If the cause of inflammation is breastfeeding, breast milk is allowed for treatment.
2. Nipple massage using almond or olive oil.
3. Lubricate the nipples with aloe juice up to four times a day.
The unique properties of chamomile help treat inflamed nipples, even when breastfeeding. It is impossible to use homeopathy during the period of gestation and feeding the fetus.
Medicinal herbs - basil. Rub a few leaves of the plant, squeeze out the juice, apply 3-4 times a day to the nipple.
The best prevention, to prevent inflammation of the nipple, hygiene, especially for lactating women. Men should pay no less attention to this issue.
The prognosis of treatment completely depends on what caused the development of inflammation. As a rule, everything ends well, except in cases when cancer developed, especially if it was at a difficult stage of development.
