Pain of the nippleN64.4

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 28.09.2022

Dieser Artikel auf Deutsch

Synonym(s)

Nipple pain; pain of the nipple; Pain of the nipples; Sore nipples; Thelalgia

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).


Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Unusual, miest chronic pain syndrome affecting only the nipple region. Painful nipples can have many causes.

Basically, one must distinguish between:

  • hormonal

and

  • non-hormonal nipple pain.

ManifestationThis section has been translated automatically.

Women>Men

Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.

Hormonal (hormonal changes during menopause can also cause nipple pain) and pregnancy-related nipple pain, or nipple pain during breastfeeding, belongs in the hands of a gynecologist.

Non-hormonal nipple pain also affects men. Here one distinguishes the nipple pain

  • with and
  • without visible or palpable changes in the nipple region.

It is not uncommon for the nipple region to be sensitive to touch but clinically unchanged. This constellation is most frequently due to rough or abrasive textiles. The atopically predisposed patient may also be affected in this way.

In case of visible changes of the nipples, e.g. redness, permanent scaling or permanent oozing, the findings must be clarified in time. Eczematous changes are most frequent (see nipple eczema). In particular, atopic nipple eczema may remain isolated to this region. DD. Paget's disease of the nipple must be excluded. Eczematous changes of the nipple can also be an expression of a scabies mite infection.

Nipple adenoma or leiomyoma may also cause nipple pain.

Case report(s)This section has been translated automatically.

Treatment optionsThe treatment is analogous to the cause. In the case of sore, irritated nipples, the compatibility of different clothing and underwear can be observed. The nipples should be kept supple with oil or ointments, occasionally nursing pads can also be used. For men it is also recommended to apply a caring, greasing ointment under a protective cover with cotton wool pads.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Eigelshoven S et al (2006) Thelalgia in man: successful treatment with botulinum toxin. Arch Dermatol 142:1242-1243

Authors

Last updated on: 28.09.2022

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer