Top 20 Natural Treatment for Nipple Pain

This is a type of pain that happens in the breast tissue around the area of nipple. Nipple pain can be associated with other signs and symptoms, like skin changes, itching, breast lump or mass, and nipple discharge and breast pain. If you have infection of the breast’s skin, then it could lead to nipple pain. Trauma caused by poorly or tight fitting undergarments or from sexual activity can irritate the skin of the nipple, which is leading to soreness or pain.

In some cases, breastfeeding can lead to chapped or chafing nipples that may be sore. Nipple pain can be caused by menstrual cycle or in early pregnancy. There can be other causes of nipple pain, such as bacterial infections, mastitis and breast abscess. There can be breast or nipple symptoms, which may happen along with the nipple pain, such as change in the size, shape or appearance of the breast; breast lump; breast tenderness; bleeding from the nipple, etc.

Fever and nausea with or without vomiting accompany nipple pain in some cases. There are some cases when nipple pain in a combination with other symptoms (like significant decrease in urine output; confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment; shortness of breath; fainting or change in level of consciousness or lethargy) can indicate a serious condition. You need to talk with your doctor if you suffer from nipple pain, before you use some of the below mentioned home remedies, so you will avoid side effects.

Natural Treatment for Nipple Pain:

Warm compress:

You can apply a warm and compress after breast – feeding, so this will soothe the sore and cracked nipples, as well as the nipple pain. After you have nursed your baby, dip a washcloth in warm water and then, squeeze out the excess water. Then, put the washcloth over the nipples in a period of few minutes and gently pat dry.

Ice:

Ice can be used as natural treatment for the nipple pain. You can apply ice to your nipples before breastfeeding your baby, so this can help to ease the initial discomfort of baby latching on.

Apply breast milk:

You may be surprised that we mentioned breast milk as your natural treatment for nipple pain. But, this is one of the most soothing and healing natural treatments which you can apply to get a relief from the nipple pain. You should dab a few drops of breast milk onto your nipples after feeding your baby and then, let it air – dry. The breast milk is antibacterial and this makes it one of the best natural treatments for nipple pain. You should not apply the breast milk f you have thrush.

Hot oil compress:

Hot oils are used a lot for massages, but they can be used for nipple pain too. You can make a compress with coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil. You should soak a soft cloth with oil, wrap it with another soft cloth, and then put it on the breast. You should place a hot water bottle on the top of it. You can re – heat the pad.

Vitamin C:

This vitamin has many health benefits, such as increasing the immunity and speeding up the healing process. This is one of the best natural treatments which you can consume for your nipple pain. You should eat more green, leafy vegetables like bell peppers, parsley, broccoli, celery, kale and spinach. Also, you should eat citrus fruits, such as melons, kiwis, guava, papaya and oranges.

Basil leaves:

You can use basil leaves as your natural treatment for nipple pain. This home remedy is known for its soothing effect on skin infections. In many cases, skin infections can cause cracked, bleeding and painful nipples. Basil leaves can help to heal the nipple pain faster. You should wash a cup of basil leaves and grind them to make a paste. You should apply this paste to your nipples and let it stay there for thirty minutes. You should repeat this natural treatment until nipples are completely healed.

Start with the healthy side:

When your both nipples are in bad shape, then it does not matter which one you will start when nursing your baby. But, if you have one nipple that hurts more than other, then put your baby on the last painful side first. They will nurse more gently on the second breast, because they will not be as hungry.

Wear the right bra:

You should be sure that your bra is not too rough or too tight. You should treat your nipples as gently as possible. You should also rinse your bras thoroughly after washing them, because traces of detergent left on your bra could irritate your skin even more.

Salt water rinse:

The saline solution can help to clean and hydrate the sore. You should mix one – half teaspoon of salt in 200 ml of warm water till it is completely dissolved. You should dip a cotton ball into this solution and apply it on the affected area. Then, pat to dry.

Tea bags:

You can use the used tea begs to heal the nipple pain. You can soak chamomile tea bag in hot water for a few minutes. You should take them out and allow it cool. Squeeze out the excess water gently and put them on the nipples as long as you need.

Aloe Vera:

This natural treatment is known for its cooling and soothing properties. Also, it can help in the treatment of nipple pain. You should cut Aloe Vera leaf and let it stay for 10 – 15 minutes, so the toxins. Then, cut it open. Scoop out the gel inside and apply it to your nipple and let it dry.

Change breasts pads frequently:

When you are purchasing breast pads, then you should choose soft and cotton type or disposable pads. You should change them frequently, so they will not stay wet on your nipples. If you leave the breast pads wet on your breasts, they can further nipple irritation and increase the chance of getting an infection.

Olive oil:

This type of oil is found almost in every home. It is working as a quick and effective home remedy for nipple pain. You should mix one drop of tea tree oil and one tablespoon of olive oil in lukewarm water. You can apply this home remedy on your nipples using a clean cotton ball. You should let it dry, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Tea tree oil:

This natural treatment is known for its anti – inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can help to reduce the inflammation. You should mix a few drops of tea tree oil with lukewarm water and gently apply it on your nipples. You should let it dry on its own and then rinse it with clean water.

Apple cider vinegar:

The apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and it can help in the case of sore nipples. This could be your natural treatment for nipple pain. You should mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water. After breastfeeding, you should dip a cotton ball into the mixture and squeeze out the excess liquid. You should apply this natural treatment over the nipple and areola and then pat dry. Then, apply raw coconut oil, which can help to soothe the dry cracks.

Hygiene:

It is very important to observe the personal hygiene in order to prevent the nipple pain. You should wear only clean and soft bras and you should change your bra on daily basis. You should use a mild detergent for washing your bra, because harsh ones can irritate your nipples, causing soreness.

Do not use soaps and chemicals:

You should take care not to use soaps or a body – wash on your nipples while bathing. You should use only lukewarm water to wash your nipples and let them to air dry. It is known that soaps can have harsh chemicals and they can cause your nipples to become sore and tender. Also, you should not use cologne, deodorant or powder on your nipples or breasts.

Calendula:

It is known that calendula flower can give you a relief from the chapped and cracked nipples. This could be your natural treatment for nipple pain. You should crush 1 – 2 calendula flowers and make it as a paste. You should apply it on your sore nipple and let it dry on its own. Also, you can mix equal amounts of calendula oil and olive oil to make a mixture or apply a calendula ointment to your nipples.

Warm shower:

You can take hot or warm shower and massage your breasts, so this can help you to get a relief from the nipple pain.

Witch hazel:

You should apply witch hazel to your nipples, so this can help to reduce the inflammation, eliminate itching and give you a relief from the pain.

Chamomile tea:

This natural treatment has anti – microbial and anti – inflammatory properties. You can drink chamomile tea and you can use the tea bags on your nipples to get a relief from the nipple pain.

References:

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2. Nipple Pain: Symptoms & Signs. https://www.medicinenet.com/nipple_pain/symptoms.htm .
3. Nipple Pain Remedies. https://americanpregnancy.org/breastfeeding/nipple-pain-remedies/ . Published October 13, 2019
4. 6 Remedies For Nipple Pain That Actually Work To Relieve Pain. https://www.romper.com/p/6-remedies-for-nipple-pain-that-actually-work-to-relieve-pain-46032 . Published March 23, 2017
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7. 4 Reasons For Nipple Pain, and Ways to Treat Them. https://www.womansday.com/health-fitness/womens-health/a32010403/reasons-for-nipple-pain/ . Published April 3, 2020
8. Nipple Pain and Soreness: Causes and Treatment. https://www.healthcentral.com/article/nipple-pain-and-soreness-causes-and-treatment . Published January 30, 2015
9. Why Do My Nipples Hurt? https://www.webmd.com/women/why-do-nipples-hurt#1