These Are the Best Products to Use for Dry Nipples, According to Experts

I’m not used to dry skin in cold weather, sometimes causing my face to peel and my knees to turn white, but a couple of winters ago I experienced an unparalleled level of uncomfortable dryness around my nipples and areola. I thought it was a bad thing until I got pregnant in 2024, but one of the many strange pregnancy side effects I experienced was dryness and itching around my areola.

And just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did. After giving birth to my daughter and in the early stages of breastfeeding, the area became more dry and itchy than I could handle. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re experiencing a similar itchy dilemma for a variety of reasons.

Experts say the problem is not uncommon and that a variety of factors can cause the skin around the nipples to become dry and itchy. It states that “dermatitis, excessive sweating, and even uncomfortable bras” are some of the common reasons for dry skin in the nipple area. kim nicholsa board-certified dermatologist in the state of Connecticut.

It may take a little guesswork to determine exactly what’s causing your itchy breasts (more on this later), but if the sensations are severe and cause discomfort, the first step is to see a dermatologist to find out exactly what’s going on. For milder cases, there are several over-the-counter products and specific ingredients that can help relieve dry, itchy breasts.

So we asked a board-certified dermatologist and gynecologist to explain how to know what’s causing your discomfort and how best to treat it.

What causes dry nipples and breasts?

It is important to note that the skin on the nipples and the skin on the breasts are slightly different. However, because both have thinner skin than the rest of the body, these areas are especially prone to dryness and irritation. In contrast to the skin of the breast, the skin of the nipple “has no hair, has more glands, lies on smooth muscle. It has many nerve endings, [even more] It’s sensitive,” explains the New York City obstetrician-gynecologist. Horsna Haku.

One possible cause of dry skin around the nipples and breasts struck me. “Not wearing a bra can cause your nipples to rub against your clothing, which can lead to dryness.” Elise Lovea board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Who would have thought that releasing your nipples could actually dry them out?