Peeling nipples?!?

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am almost 12w along, and woke up this morning and noticed the skin on my nipples was peeling (just my nipples, not anywhere else). I expected this with breastfeeding, but really, at 12w?? I put some regular body lotion on and it seemed to help, but I'm wondering if anyone has had this happen, and if I need to go buy special nipple cream- or do you only need a special cream when you are breastfeeding?
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't put regular lotion on them. You probably don't have to worry at 12 weeks, but they make lotions/oils for boobies that are safe for pregnancy and nursing. I infer that there is something not good about regular lotion, or else I am a complete consumer sucker.

I don't have peeling, but I did notice my nipples have alreay gotten bigger. Could it be that yours have gotten bigger and the skin is peeling becuase of it? Also, skin tends to be dryer during pregancy.

[Anonymous]

Yes, they have gotten bigger- they're like damn saucers! I guess I will go out and buy some nipple cream- I sure I will need it once LO comes, especially if I'm having dryness issues already! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Are you sure it is peeling? This happened to me with both pregnancies and it was the falling off of small amounts of dried liquid my breasts were beginning to make. Not quite colustrum, I don't think, but whatever happens as your breasts ramp up.

[Anonymous]

I had the same symptom; the dry skin is quite different from the liquid yellowish crusties I get now that I'm farther along. The early stuff was more like nipple dandruff, and it also itched a bit. I use regular lotion plus jojoba oil on my belly (supposedly for stretch marks, no idea if it works but I don't have a lot).

My understanding is that regular lotion is not so great once you are actually breastfeeding because it can cause plugged ducts.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I had that too - a dandruf like stuff. And it itched soooo much. That was AFTER it HURTED (shooting pains) so much! I bought Lanosin (sp?) and applied a small dab for 2 nights and it helped. I bought the lanosin because I know I will need it anyways (when baby is here).

[Anonymous]

I think you mean Lansinoh.

Honestly, I think you can probably use whatever you want while you're pregnant. Once you're breastfeeding, it makes sense to use something edible/safe for the baby, which Lansinoh is.

[Anonymous]

I had a nipple assessment done last week to get a jump start on breastfeeding and whether or not my nipples were "right". for example, not too short, inverted, etc. I am 32 weeks and the lactation consultant was able to express colostrum, weird... But I asked her specifically about my nipples peeling early in pregnancy. She said it was most likely my breasts producing colostrum and then drying on my nipple. When in the shower I would peel it off and just think something was off, but no big deal.

You are probably producing colostrum, and the consultant said it's wonderful to be producing it that early. Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

Be careful with Cocoa Butter though. My SIL managed to poison herself from overuse, while pregnant. Strange if you ask me. I didn't know something like that was possible.

[Anonymous]

I'm 12 weeks preggers and have had the same dry, itchy, peeling nipples. I've been applying Palmers all over body lotion... seems to help, but I have seen lotion made just for nipples, figured I didn't need it yet though... might end up purchasing it now after reading some of these post. I didn't know about the soap deal, good to know, figured mosturizing soap would be ok. Hopefully peeling the dryness off isn't bad... to peel or not to peel, that is the question?!

[Anonymous]

My nipples skin began peeling also, but I'm unsure if I'm pregnant , I believe I am, I missed my last period its been about 10 days now. That was the only symptom I got no changes until my nipples began peeling itchiness also occurred .I was wondering if thats a sign if i was pregnant and it seems like it is, but is it too early for this?

[Anonymous]

"Hopefully peeling the dryness off isn't bad... to peel or not to peel, that is the question?! "

Eeeeeew!

[Anonymous]

YES!! My nipples are ITCHY and flaking! Nevermind the saucer-sized areolas! lol. Poor girls aren't lookin too hot right now.
I've been using a bath oil immediately after shower and it's been helping. Lotions didn't really work. I might be getting some Lansinoh, though!

[Anonymous]

I've had the same thing. Dry, peeling nipples from about 12 weeks until now (26 weeks). Lotion or vitamin E oil seems to help. it's so gross some days, it looks like dandruff in my bra.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be careful with Cocoa Butter though. My SIL managed to poison herself from overuse, while pregnant. Strange if you ask me. I didn't know something like that was possible.

How is this even possible?