Fissure of the nipple

Fissure of the nipple
An irritated nipple, or jogger's nipple, acquired while riding a bike on a warm day.
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 N64.0, O92.1
ICD-9-CM 611.2

Fissure of the nipple, also known as jogger's nipple, is a condition that can be caused by friction that can result in soreness, dryness or irritation to, or bleeding of, one or both nipples during or following running or other physical exercise. This condition is also experienced by women who breastfeed[1] and by surfers[2] who do not wear rash guards.

Cause

Jogger's nipple is caused by friction from the repeated rubbing of a t-shirt or other upper body clothing against the nipples during a prolonged period of exercise.

The condition is suffered mainly by runners. Long-distance runners are especially prone, because they are exposed to the friction on the nipple for the greatest period of time. However, it is not only suffered by athletes; the inside of a badge, a logo on normal items of clothing, or breastfeeding[1] can also cause the friction which results in this condition.

Prevention

Runner's nipple after a 10K run on a hot day

The condition is easily preventable and treatable. Viable methods include:

Treatment

Various methods for treatment include:

This condition should clear within a few days. If not, medical attention is warranted. Other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, fungal infections or an allergic reaction can cause nipple pain and changes in the appearance of the skin. In women, breastfeeding (often complicated by thrush infection),[1] hormonal changes in early pregnancy or during menstruation, as well as certain types of breast cancer, i.e. Paget's disease of the breast, can also cause nipple soreness and pain.

Other names

Jogger's nipple is also known as runner's nipple, red eleven, raver's nipple, big Q's, red nipple, stingers, weightlifter's nipple and gardener's nipple, athlete's nipple, or nipple chafe. There are similar colloquial terms for almost any activity that can result in the condition.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Dr. C.H. Asrani. "Fissures of the nipple". Common Problems in the first weeks of Breast Feeding. GrowingWell.com. Retrieved 10 February 2011.
  2. Specialist Consultant Oncoplastic Breast and Cosmetic Surgeon Mr Iain Brown. "Surfer's Nipple". Causes of Nipple and Breast Pain in Surfers. SurfersNipple.com. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  3. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Silver – Impregned Medical Cap for Topical Treatment of Nipple Fissure of Breastfeeding Mothers, Breastfeeding Medicine, Volume 10, Number 5, 2015
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