August 19, 2025, 2:25 pm | Read time: 5 minutes

“Both men and women can experience dry and flaky nipples due to the naturally very sensitive nipple area. This feels very uncomfortable. Often, the skin also itches and, in extreme cases, becomes red, sore, and cracked,” says Viktoria Buck, a dermatologist in Berlin. “Usually, the causes are temporary, harmless, and very easy to treat.”

Possible Reasons for Dry Nipples

Breastfeeding

About 80 to 90 percent of breastfeeding mothers eventually face the problem of dry, cracked, or sore nipples. “Infants often suck for a long time with a lot of saliva and very intensively. Additionally, nipples are particularly sensitive in the first days after birth because the tissue expands and becomes more blood-rich due to milk production,” says the dermatologist.

Aggressive Cleansing Products

Aggressive soaps and shower gels can attack the skin’s protective acid mantle, causing dryness and even inflammation.

Chlorine and Saltwater

Spending a lot of time in chlorinated or saltwater can lead to dry nipples and skin irritation.

Synthetic Fabrics

Synthetic fibers like nylon, polyacrylic, or polyamide can cause skin irritation. While they feel light and airy on the skin, they are far less breathable than natural fibers and release less moisture and sweat.

Friction

“When nipples rub against clothing or other objects, such as during sports or sexual activities, they can become dry and cracked,” says Ms. Buck. “Chafed nipples typically come with dry, cracked areas that can be quite painful and may even bleed slightly.” Symptoms can be more pronounced in winter months as the skin is more prone to dryness in cold weather.

Hormonal Fluctuations

“Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or the menstrual cycle can also affect the breasts,” says Ms. Buck. “Many women experience phases of tension, dryness, hypersensitivity, and itching. This is due to the natural changes in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body.”

How Can Dry Nipples Be Treated?

“When treating dry nipples, it’s important to find and treat the underlying problem, not just the symptom,” says Ms. Buck. “If a disease can be ruled out, the nipples should be treated like any other sensitive skin area.”

Generally, those affected can treat nipple dryness with over-the-counter remedies or home remedies. For acute symptoms, applying olive oil, special nipple creams, or moisturizing lanolin ointment can help. In general, it’s important to keep the nipples clean, dry, and well-hydrated.

Also interesting: How Menopause Changes the Vagina

How Can Dry Nipples Be Prevented?

During Sports

“Wear tops that don’t rub directly against the nipples during sports. A sports bra is recommended. It should fit well and not rub against the nipples during movement. If possible, choose materials made from natural fibers that allow the skin to breathe optimally,” advises Ms. Buck. Tip: Applying bandages over the nipples before training can help protect them from friction.

During Sex

Avoid stimulating the nipples if they feel uncomfortably sensitive, dry, or sore to prevent further irritation.

In Case of Contact Dermatitis

If you are among those who are allergic to certain materials, perfumes, or ointments (known as contact dermatitis), it’s best to avoid the allergen completely. Trying to acclimate or harden the skin to an allergen is a myth and will certainly not lead to the desired success.

While Breastfeeding

During this special time, pay particular attention to preventing thrush (yeast infection). This can be done by keeping your nipples cool, dry, and clean. In acute cases of soreness, so-called nursing shields and cooled hydrogel pads can help.

While Showering

For direct cleaning of the nipples, it’s best to avoid soap and scrubs and use a soft, damp washcloth instead.

In general, a healthy lifestyle is always advisable. This includes a balanced diet, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and cigarettes, and regular exercise.

More on the topic

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Dry Nipples–When Should You See a Doctor?

“If there is suspicion of a disease because the symptoms do not subside after about five to seven days, or if you notice inflammation, a sudden severe irritation, yellowish discharge, or increased temperature of the nipples, you should definitely consult your specialist,” says Ms. Buck. “In case of an infection, they can prescribe an oral antibiotic or an antibiotic ointment. If it’s an allergic reaction, a steroid cream can provide quick relief.”

Other Causes of Dry Nipples

Yeast Infections

Yeast infections or thrush are caused by the fungus Candida albicans. They can occur when germs come into contact with already cracked, sore nipples during breastfeeding or after taking antibiotics.

Thrush is usually accompanied by a burning, stabbing, painful, and itchy sensation in the nipples. They are sore, red, shiny, and may have a rash.

Thrush thrives best in a warm, moist environment, so you should keep the nipples as dry and cool as possible to prevent its occurrence. Regularly changing shirts and bras can help prevent yeast infections. An antifungal ointment prescribed by a specialist provides quick relief.

Eczema

“Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition most commonly referring to the condition known as atopic dermatitis,” says Ms. Buck. “About five percent of adults and ten percent of children are affected and suffer from dry skin areas, usually on the hands or feet, where the skin literally peels off.” It can also occur on the nipples and can be well treated with special ointments.

Paget’s Syndrome and Cancer

In very rare cases, changes in the nipples may indicate Paget’s disease, which is associated with breast cancer. These can be recognized by the following warning signs. “It causes a dry, scaly, painful rash around the nipple that can be mistaken for eczema,” says Ms. Buck. “In breast cancer, usually only one of the nipples is affected. Watch for the main symptoms: peeling or scaling skin on the nipple that does not heal, as well as yellowish or bloody discharge or a suddenly retracted nipple.”