As marathons proliferate across China, the activity has gained immense popularity. Recently, however, photos surfaced online showing female runners in international marathons with two distinct blood streaks on their chests—prolonged friction with clothing had left their nipples "severely injured"! Many netizens exclaimed, "If I run a marathon, I'll need to protect my chest too!"
Nipples get "injured" because they're too delicate
Experts explain that nipple skin is exceptionally tender, less dense than facial skin or other body areas. Rough fabric pressed tightly against nipples can cause repeated friction and damage. Women are less prone to nipple abrasions because their areolas are more developed, containing abundant sebaceous glands that secrete lubricating substances to protect the nipples.Therefore, men aren't just prone to this "nipple injury" during marathons; sports like soccer can also cause it.
How to care for nipple injuries?
Nipples have rich blood circulation, so when the epidermis is abraded, bleeding tends to be relatively heavy and difficult to stop. Applying pressure to stop the bleeding is recommended.
1. First, clean the wound with a disinfected cotton ball; 2. Then apply a hemostatic patch to cover and stop the bleeding.
Note: Sweating during exercise can lead to infection if bleeding nipples are improperly managed. If not controlled, the infection may spread to surrounding areas, causing redness and swelling on the chest wall. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can cause bacteremia, resulting in persistent high fever requiring hospital treatment.
3 Effective Methods for Nipple Pain Relief
If pain is caused by clothing friction but no bleeding occurs, try these 3 methods for relief:
1. Mash cactus or aloe vera into a paste and apply it to the breast.
2. Cut a cabbage head, wash it, place leaves in a plastic bag separated by paper towels, and refrigerate. Apply a chilled leaf directly to the breast.
3. For cracked nipples, boil an egg, remove the yolk, mix it with cooking oil into a paste, and apply a small amount to the nipple for significant pain relief.
Four Pre-Run Breast Protection Tips
1. Wear cotton clothing; avoid tops and bras made from synthetic fabrics like nylon.
2.Apply moisturizer to nipples to increase lubrication and reduce friction;
3. Use nipple covers to create a barrier between nipples and clothing;
4. Larger breasts may experience tissue bruising during vigorous movement. Chen Weiguang recommends wearing a bra for support, with sports bras offering superior protection.