Virtual Consultations Available! Start Your Journey Today.
Schedule A ConsultationIf you’re experiencing painful male nipples, you might feel confused or even embarrassed—but this symptom is more common than you think. Nipple pain in men can range from mild irritation to sharp sensitivity and may stem from a variety of causes, including gynecomastia, injury, infection, or hormonal imbalance.
In this article, we explain what causes nipple pain in men, how to recognize when it’s serious, and what steps to take for proper diagnosis and relief.
Occasional tenderness can happen, especially due to friction, cold weather, or intense physical activity. But persistent or painful male nipples is not normal and should not be ignored—especially if it’s accompanied by swelling, a lump, or nipple changes.
One of the most common causes of painful male nipples is gynecomastia—a benign condition where glandular breast tissue enlarges due to an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen.
Typical symptoms painful male nipples include:
Pain is often an early sign of tissue growth, especially during puberty or hormonal fluctuations.
Men who run, cycle, or lift weights may develop nipple chafing from shirt movement or sweat. This is especially common in warm weather or with poor-fitting clothing.
Painful Male Nipples Signs include:
Using moisture-wicking clothing, nipple guards, or anti-chafe balms can help.
Infections of the skin or underlying ducts can lead to:
If the pain is intense, or if the skin looks inflamed, see a doctor immediately.
Painful Male Nipples; Soaps, detergents, or body lotions can irritate the nipple area and cause:
Try eliminating potential irritants to see if symptoms improve.
Though rare, male breast cancer can present with pain or tenderness, often alongside:
Any unexplained, persistent pain should be evaluated by a gynecomastia specialist.
You should see a specialist if:
While some causes are minor, others—like gynecomastia or breast cancer—require proper diagnosis and targeted treatment.
At our Newport Beach clinic, Gynecomastia surgeon Dr. Joseph Cruise specializes in diagnosing and treating male chest conditions. During your evaluation, we may:
If the cause is gynecomastia, we’ll determine whether the tissue is temporary or permanent, and whether gynecomastia surgery is necessary to correct the issue.
When gynecomastia is the cause, and the glandular tissue is permanent, male breast reduction surgery offers the most reliable solution. The procedure involves:
Most men return to work within a few days and feel significant improvement in comfort and confidence soon after.
If you’re dealing with painful male nipples and unsure of the cause, don’t wait. Whether it’s gynecomastia, friction, or something more serious, getting answers is the first step to relief.
Schedule a gynecomastia consultation with Dr. Joseph Cruise today. We offer in-person and virtual appointments for patients throughout Southern California and beyond.
Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Use our Fast Track program to receive a rapid assessment with a recommended treatment plan and estimated surgical quote.
Get Started