Occasionally, when running, my nipples really sting. How can I avoid it?
Lots of people put band-aids or athletic tape over their nipples and this seems to work pretty well. There is also a product called Body-Glide which is sold at most running or sporting goods stores and goes on kind of like deodorant. You rub it over the areas you want to keep from rubbing or getting blisters (works on feet, nipples, waistbands, etc.).
What causes the irritation is warm temperatures and high humidity—the precription for heavy sweating--on long runs or during a marathon.
When the salt from the sweat are combined with nylon running shirts and/or those made out of synthetics, the nipples get rubbed raw.
Also T-shirts or singlets with silk-screen designs cause abrasion as do shirts with seams across the chest.
Cotton T-shirts usually don’t irritate.
Many runners assume this is just one of those things they have to grin and bear but that’s necessarily the case.
Wearing the right shirts certainly helps, but you can also lubricate your nipples before the run with a petroleum jelly.
Women who wear running bras can make certain the straps and cups are soft enough and apply some jelly or powder before the run or race.
Fortunately there is one lifesaver for runners who suffer from this condition: NipGuards. An outer layer of foam creates a cavity around the nipples which works great to prevent the chafing and rubbing which creates the often bloody mess. Even better, regardless of how much you sweat or how long you run, the NipGuards never fall off.
http://www.lamarathon.com/run/Article.7+M596548a79fc.0.html?&cHash=f67fbfbd26&tx_ttnews%5Bpointer%5D=1
http://completerunning.com/archives/2006/09/12/100-beginner-running-tips/
i just did a long leg of a relay marathon this past weekend and had the problem for the first time.
my run was 60 degrees F. and in the rain. the only variable that was odd for me was the shirt i wore. i usually wear body fitting Body Armour type workout shirts. these don't move when i run. the shirt i wore sunday was loose like a t-shirt made of wicking material. when i got home to take a bath, i felt like my nips were being burned. i am guessing that the loose wet shirt bouncing up and down for 8.4 miles acted like sandpaper and rubbed me raw. never had the problem before. my best guess.
i'd recommend body hugging workout shirt either as your only one or under a t-shirt. should help.
That's a common problem among runners. A bit of vaseline will do the trick. Just put some before you go running. I use vaseline to prevent crotch irritaion too.
the nipple irritation, chaffing, that you get from running is caused by a few things. First and foremost is the friction from your shirt. Temperature also adds to the problem when it's cold out. Sweat also makes the situation worse as the salt stings the raw skin. I have found that the best way to reduce the friction is from either wearing a band aid for short runs or mole skins for longer runs. If this seems a little weird to you, try wearing an Under Armor tee shirt under what ever else you wear. It is better if the Under Armor is tight (less friction). good luck.
In my day job I write about Blood Pressure Treatment and treat those who suffer from blood pressure problems. Low blood pressure is a particular interest and I'm often asked about how to lower cholesterol levels. A healthy heart is becoming a huge focus for many of us nowadays. Improving your blood pressure control and thus the health of your heart and circulation system is really important. My most recent online "adventure" is to start a facility for people to ask me my opinion and to provide high quality health information by answering medical questions online.
I also have a special interest in the problem of feeling Tired All the Time and in those who suffer from chronic fatigue or lethargy. This seems to tie in also to skin care issues or skin treatment problems and suggestions. Tiredness and fatigue can lead to major problems for many individuals in modern society and the way that this can affect all areas of general health can be quite invasive in terms of daily life and coping skills.
My work with footballers and athletes leads to a focus on Painful Shoulder conditions and on the problems associated with frozen shoulder or whiplash injury. Rotator cuff injury causes problems for many of my patients.
When not working I daydream about my next amazing european vacation trip My favorite European cities include Paris and Barcelona and my next blog project will be to write about the best way to spend a night in Paris and how to find an apartment in Barcelona. I just love European travel in all its forms.
Voos Baratos
Cancer treatment
Under Armour and Vaseline is the best option
Got an answer for Joe Sycam? Would you like to comment on the posted answers, or vote for the one which you think is the best?
Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).
Other people asked questions on similar topics, check out the answers they received:
Other people asked questions on various topics, and are still waiting for answer. Would be great if you can take a sec and answer them
