Why does my pierced nipple hurt

When the piercing is infected and irritated, adding friction to the mix does not help. Wearing tight-fitting clothing that constantly rubs against the piercing may make symptoms worse. Tight clothing can also hold more sweat and bacteria against the infected site.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing, undershirts, or bras while the infection is healing. There are some very important things to avoid when treating an infected piercing. These things may make the infection worse or slow down healing time. Jewelry should not be removed from an infected piercing. The jewelry acts like a drain for the discharge caused by the infection. If the jewelry is removed and the wound closes over while it is still infected, an abscess can form. Abscesses are more difficult to treat and make the infection much worse.

The jewelry may need to be changed in cases where the body is rejecting the metal, but it should usually not be removed completely. It is also important not to use over-the-counter antibiotic creams. While these are good for minor scrapes and cuts, they can trap bacteria in a wound and make the infection worse.

When cleaning the infected area, avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the skin and cause additional symptoms. Perfumes, harsh soaps, and excess detergents should also be avoided around the infected area. The best way to treat an infection is to prevent it. A knowledgeable piercer will give their customers detailed instructions on how to care for their piercing, and these should be followed closely.

In general, piercings should be treated with great care as they are healing. The area should be gently washed every day and multiple times when the body is sweating a lot.

Any unnecessary friction should be avoided during this time as well. Keeping the piercing loosely covered and protected may help reduce the chance of infection. The piercing, jewelry, and surrounding skin should not be touched during the healing process. Doing so can introduce different bacteria every time and influence an infection.

It may also be helpful to avoid public pools, baths, and gyms as the piercing heals. These places are full of bacteria and may increase the chances of an infection. When home treatments do not work or symptoms persist or get worse, it may be time to see a doctor for prescription antibiotics. Maybe you have one of your own.

Maybe you want one. Maybe the thought makes you want to cross your arms and protect your breasts at all costs. Or maybe, like us, you just want to know more about the whole thing. You don't want to take any chances. Good sleep and a healthy diet will also help recharge your body's immune system, allowing your piercings to heal properly. In about nine months to one year, the piercing should be fully healed.

For many, a nipple piercing almost immediately makes this area more sensitive to the touch. Although, it's unclear if that effect is truly physical as opposed to mental. So they may seem more sensitive simply because you're suddenly more mindful of them. FWIW, my friends' piercings have heightened their sexual sensitivity and helped get their breasts some extra attention in the bedroom.

But ultimately, the end effect will depend on your individual body. According to Healthline, nipple piercings typically don't damage or affect breast milk production. That said, you're always better safe than sorry, so it's imperative you plan accordingly and consult with both a medical professional and a professional piercer for their guidance.

Get your piercing months before you plan on getting pregnant, according Breastfeed Support. If you're currently or recently breastfeeding, wait three months after weaning before getting your nipples pierced.

While it's mostly safe, damage to the ducts could occur during the piercing, resulting in a lowered milk supply, latch difficulty, or leaking milk. Breastfeed Support reports that most women find it easiest just to remove the jewelry six months into their pregnancies, as the sensation from the nipples can lead to early contractions. You may want to try a piercing retainer in place of metal barbells, if you're serious about keeping your piercing in tact.

As mentioned, beware of any jewelry containing nickel, because it often causes allergies and rashes. Nipple piercings do introduce a slight risk of developing scar tissue, while could technically affect breastfeeding. You may be able to breastfeed without any issues, but if scar tissue develops, it can interfere with the ability of the milk to be expressed by the nipple," Zeichner says.

It is recommended to remove your jewelry before breastfeeding, although that won't remove scar tissue. If you sleep on your side, don't wash your sheets often, and pick at your piercing, you're going to irritate them and delay the healing process.

Nipples do tend to get crusty. They get a lot of build-up on them," Lopez says. Let the hot water run on it when you shower and that should soften it up and rise that up for you. Clean sports bras are great for fresh nipple piercings. Piercer Kirsten Lee of Studio 28 offers a clever tip for maximizing comfort and minimizing infection risk: "Bras have a lot of bacteria in them," she says.

It'll create that barrier, help absorb sweat, and help with friction. It varies per studio. Most people tip at least 20 percent of the service charge.

Call up your local shop for rates, and remember that paying for quality jewelry is more fun than paying for a doctor's visit for an infected nipple.

It depends on how long you've had them in for. So basically, once again, don't mess with or take out the jewelry during recovery time if you don't want your new holes to close up. Unlike facial piercings, should you find yourself around family or coworkers who disapprove of body modification, a nipple piercing is easy to hide.

Unless you come from a nudist family, that is, in which case it seems likely they'll be open-minded about your pierced nipples. Nipple piercings can take the better part of a year to heal, so get ready for some changes to your hook-up routine.

If you're in a relationship, consider bringing your partner with you to your piercing appointment. That way, the piercer can go over the ins and outs of what to expect with both of you. It's going to get crusty," Lopez says. And regardless of your relationship status, make sure any partners know to be careful with your newly pierced nipples. Hands and mouths carry germs, so wait until your pretty piercings are all healed up to enjoy them in the bedroom.

Now that you've head from the experts, check out what four women had to say about their own piercing experiences. I figured if I could handle those, I could probably handle getting my nipples pierced.

One night I was walking through Washington Square Park, and I passed by a cool-looking tattoo place with a good vibe called West 4 Tattoo, so I went in to check it out.

It was clean, had good reviews on Yelp, and the people there had done a lot of dermal piercings, which I know are really hard to do. I thought if they could do those, they could do nipple piercings. It was kind of a spontaneous decision.

It hurt less than I thought it would because they pinch your nipple with these little tongs first, but it was still definitely a six.