Itchy nipples are very common and are usually caused by minor skin irritation, dryness, or a reaction to something that has touched the skin, but occasionally they can signal an infection or, rarely, a more serious breast problem.

Common harmless causes

• Dry skin or chafing from tight bras, seams, or exercise can make nipples and the surrounding area itch or feel sore.

• Contact dermatitis (skin irritation or allergy) from soaps, body wash, laundry detergent, fabric softener, lotions, or nipple creams often causes redness, flaking, and itching on both nipples.

• Hormone changes with periods, pregnancy, or menopause can make breasts swell or skin drier, which can lead to temporary nipple itch.

Skin conditions and infections

• Eczema or other dermatitis on the breast can cause very itchy, red, or scaly patches on or around the nipple.

• Yeast infections or other skin infections can cause intense itching, a red shiny or moist rash, small bumps or blisters, and sometimes burning or pain (more common under the breast or in people who are breastfeeding or sweat a lot).

• Mastitis (breast tissue infection, often in breastfeeding) can cause breast pain, warmth, redness, swelling, and sometimes itch along with fever or feeling unwell.

When to worry more

Most itchy nipples are not cancer, but in rare cases persistent itching can be related to conditions like Paget’s disease of the breast or other breast cancers. Warning signs to get urgent medical evaluation include:

• Itch that lasts more than a few weeks and does not improve with gentle skincare and avoiding irritants.

• One-sided symptoms with crusting, scaling, or thickened skin of the nipple, nipple inversion or shape change, bloody or yellow discharge, a lump, skin dimpling, or unexplained redness or swelling.

What you can do now

• Switch to soft, non‑underwire bras and loose cotton tops, and avoid friction from seams or sports bras; change out of wet or sweaty clothes quickly.

• Use a gentle, fragrance‑free cleanser and detergent; avoid new soaps, perfumes, or creams on the breast area, and moisturize with a plain, hypoallergenic ointment or cream if skin is dry.

• Do not scratch; instead, pat the area and consider a cool compress. Over‑the‑counter oral antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream may help short‑term if this fits with your health conditions and medications.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor or urgent care as soon as possible if:

• The itching is severe, keeps coming back, or lasts more than about 2–3 weeks despite avoiding irritants and using gentle skincare.

• You notice discharge, cracks that won’t heal, bleeding, a lump, fever, chills, spreading redness, or significant pain.

Because many different things can cause itchy nipples and some need prescription treatment, describing your exact symptoms, how long they’ve lasted, any new products, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, and any breast changes to a healthcare professional will help identify the cause and best treatment.