Nipple Chafing: What Is It and How to Prevent It

You're not alone if you've ever experienced the tender agony of nipple chafing. But why does it happen? Learn the causes of it and how to prevent getting them again in this quick read!

Experiencing the tender agony of nipple chafing

What is Nipple Chafing?

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Nipple chafing is the annoying and painful result of friction between your nipples and your clothing especially when you do some sort of physical activity. It doesn’t necessarily happen to everyone, but if it happens to you, then here are some important things you need to know.

Woman experiencing nipple chafing

Why Are My Nipples Sore After Working Out?

There are two main culprits behind your tender nips: sweat and friction. Another reason could be the type of fabric you’re wearing that’s continuously rubbing against them.

Woman running in a pink sports bra

Sweat

When you're giving it your all at the gym or pounding the pavement, your body naturally releases sweat to keep cool. Unfortunately, that sweat can act as a salty irritant, making your skin more susceptible to chafing.

Friction

Picture this: you're wearing your favorite old t-shirt for your workout, and with each movement, it rubs against your sensitive nipple skin like sandpaper on a mission. That's friction, folks, and it's not doing your nipples any favors.

Non-Synthetic Materials

One simple way to give your nipples a break is by choosing workout clothes made from moisture-wicking, non-synthetic materials. These fabrics help to draw sweat away from your skin, reducing the risk of chafing.

How to Treat Them

Chafed nipples are a painful nuisance. If you’re struggling with them right now, here are some things you can do to alleviate the pain.

Applying remedy on sore breast

Wash Them

First things first, give your nipples a gentle wash with mild soap and water to remove any sweat or debris that may be aggravating them.

Apply Ointment or Cream

Next, dab on a soothing ointment or cream to help calm the irritation and promote healing. Look for products containing ingredients like aloe vera or lanolin for extra nipple TLC.

Tips to Prevent It

Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to nipple chafing. Here are a few tips to keep your nipples happy and chafe-free:

Woman relief by showing thumbs up sign on both hands

Wear Moisture-Wicking Clothing

Wear clothing made from moisture-wicking materials to keep sweat at bay and reduce friction against your skin.

Apply Lubricant

A little bit of lubricant can go a long way in preventing nipple chafing. Apply a thin layer of it to your nipples before putting on your sticky bra or sticky insert to create a protective barrier against friction.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin hydrated and less prone to chafing. Plus, staying hydrated is just good for you in general, so drink up!

Wear Nipple Covers

Wearing good quality nipple covers can protect your nipples from rubbing against the fabric. Opt for BOOMBA’s Magic Nipple Covers as they’re known to be sweat-resistant and seamless that will stay put the entire day. These are reusable and a great choice for daily wear.

Double-sided Magic Nipple CoversSatin Nipple Covers

Final Thoughts

Nipple chafing may be a pain in the...well, you know where, but with the right prevention tactics and a little TLC, you can keep your nipples happy and healthy. Your nipples will thank you later.