Runners nipple (men)

SimonLondon
SimonLondon Posts: 350
edited September 20 in Fitness and Exercise
Ok, this is somewhat embarrassing but I have been increasing my running over the last few weeks and recently my nipples have become really sore. I've noticed that this is a common problem so I doubt I can be the only one?

I've been on Google but a lot of the answers are from years past. I wanted to know is there anything you use to help combat this?

Replies

  • Aid_B
    Aid_B Posts: 427
    Run Naked !!!!

    Only Joking, couldn't resist
  • CreativeRedhead
    CreativeRedhead Posts: 2,166
    Hmm I would say the simplest and most obvious answer would be to run without a shirt on. There'd be no friction then. Or if you're not into that you could use some sort of bandage tape over them while you run. Hopefully you're not too hairy or that could be painful in the removal afterwards. Lol! I'd say you most likely look great so I vote for running shirtless! Hope this helps or at least provides a laugh!
  • Manuka
    Manuka Posts: 35 Member
    Tried vaseline? :)
  • raqattack8
    raqattack8 Posts: 35
    i was gonna say bandage tape on ur nipples lol... ouch!! ripping it off though
  • knowkeys
    knowkeys Posts: 28 Member
    Nothing does the job like a band aid or plaster! I get this problem when I sweat too much. To remove, take a shower, especially if you are hairy!

    You can use antiseptic cream to treat and sooth the condition.

    You can also get "nipple guards" which fit over, however, they are not very sticky and you need a plaster to hold them on.

    Hope this helps
  • lulabellewoowoo
    lulabellewoowoo Posts: 3,125 Member
    My husband complains of the same thing. I'll be interested to see the responses. I told him he could borrow one of my sports bras, but for some reason he bulked. Maybe there's a market for men's sports bras? He doesn't even really have moobs.
  • Dom_m
    Dom_m Posts: 336 Member
    cut holes out of your shirt just for your nipples ;)

    Seriously, this sometimes happens to me and it kills. A lot of people tape them, but I'm too hairy to consider this a good trade off. Some shirts have different friction than other ones. Try a different shirt, made from a different material. The new stuff from nike, adidas etc is really nice. Silky smooth :)

    Vaseline is a serious suggestion too. A lot of runners use that for chafing wherever they get it.

    Good luck!
  • joj7bat
    joj7bat Posts: 30
    There is a product called Glide - you put it on like a deoderant over your nipples, heels, inner thighs - whatever is rubbing and it seems to help take the friction off. I got some at the Running Store for my inner thighs. They have simular products - different prices, and the people are very helpful.
  • drmp03
    drmp03 Posts: 1 Member
    Try Body Glide, you can get it at Second Sole or any running store. I have use it on my inner thigh area for the hem of my shorts during marathons and it has always worked great. I hope it works well for you as well! Happy running!!
  • RLCoach
    RLCoach Posts: 65 Member
    You can buy little circular bandages, they are tiny and just go on the actual nipple, they are very effective.
  • Barneystinson
    Barneystinson Posts: 1,357 Member
    If you can't find BodyGlide for runners, there's a really (cheap) fix available at Wal-Mart or any common drugstore: Monistat anti-chafing gel. Find it located with all the other ladies products.

    Yeah, yeah yeah it's made for the ladies and the brand also makes yeast infection cream, BUT it's essentially the same thing as any BodyGlide or expensive anti-chafing product. It's a silicone-based gel that dries to a powdery, smooth finish. It's amazing for any area of the body (thighs, chest, arms) that you get any form of chafing during exercise or regular activity. It also doubles as a nice skin protectant (anti-chapping) when the weather is cold.
  • RunRideRay
    RunRideRay Posts: 1,536 Member
    You can buy little circular bandages, they are tiny and just go on the actual nipple, they are very effective.

    +1 That's the right answer.

    1) It's very common. In fact, hang around a marathon finish line and you'll see plenty of them just bloody.
    2) Not sure it was clear, but it's all about friction of your shirt, wet, and rubbing the nips.
    3) Dress cool. The main problem is too much moisture so if you manage that, then friction is easier.
    4) If ya don't mind, no shirt totally solves it.
    5) Some goos & glides can be OK too, but they can make it tacky and that's no good either.
  • SimonLondon
    SimonLondon Posts: 350
    Thanks so much for the answers!

    I've ordered some body glide and I bought some plasters this afternoon to get me through this evenings run, I wish I could go shirtless but the rules say I can't :sad:
  • CreativeRedhead
    CreativeRedhead Posts: 2,166
    Awwww well that's a shame! :wink:
  • TCASMEY
    TCASMEY Posts: 1,405 Member
    bump
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    I have never heard of this and I've been running for a while myself. Hope you get it sorted mate.

    I certainly did LOL at the cut nipple holes out of shirt answer. Visuals are scary :P
  • arewethereyet
    arewethereyet Posts: 18,702 Member
    learn something new every day!
  • MiekeJ
    MiekeJ Posts: 139
    cut holes out of your shirt just for your nipples ;)

    I reckon this, plus the vaseline for extra protection would work a treat!
  • Fmttu
    Fmttu Posts: 1
    Gold Bond makes a product called Friction Defense that is essentially the same thing as Body Glide at a lower cost. You can get it at Wal-Mart although don't bother asking anyone there where it is cause they won't have a clue. It is in the pharmacy area next to the foot powder/cream area. Usually on the top shelf. It may also be in the baby diaper rash cream area. It's a bright yellow dispenser like an anti-perspirant stick with a red cap. Works wonders!

    I've also learned never to wear that new shirt that they give you at the race, especially if it has any type of logo or decal on the front. Those decals can be quite heavy and the constant bounce of your stride along with the weight of the sweat will cause it to rub on your chest more than a dry shirt with no decal.

    Two half marathons with no chafing in the cold speaks for itself.

    Good luck!
  • PrairieRunner2015
    PrairieRunner2015 Posts: 126 Member
    I ran into this problem a couple of weeks ago. There are several options, but I chose to go with Water Proof Band Aids. They have worked well so far. I chose this route as it's the least expensive. A lot of people swear by nip guards, but they are a little expensive for me.

    I have no experience with body glide like materials, but I've heard/read if you sweat a lot (I do) it can be less effective.
  • asdelmonte
    asdelmonte Posts: 171 Member
    I would suggest body glide. Also, a compression shirt will eliminate the friction. That's why women don't have this issue; we wear sports bras.
  • Chadomaniac
    Chadomaniac Posts: 1,785 Member
    i was gonna say bandage tape on ur nipples lol... ouch!! ripping it off though

    This


    I use plasters on my nipples on long distances when I attempt some fitness 100% helps
    Also wear a looser shirt
  • hutchmanz
    hutchmanz Posts: 5 Member
    I used to have the same problem. I switched from short sleeve to sleeveless shirts and it solved the problem completely. Without sleeves the shirt doesn't move back and forth as much irritating your nipples.
  • watto1903
    watto1903 Posts: 19 Member
    Compression tops, either run in them or if you feel self conscious, wear one under your t-shirt

    i NEVER run without them after a particularly bloody half marathon sore nipple-fest :-(
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Compression tops, either run in them or if you feel self conscious, wear one under your t-shirt

    i NEVER run without them after a particularly bloody half marathon sore nipple-fest :-(

    ^^^^ This

    Body glide needs to be reapplied, bandaids & nipguards fall off etc if you're a heavy sweater, a compression top is the only thing that works reliably for me.
  • runner475
    runner475 Posts: 1,236 Member
    Try Body Glide ... I've seen @ running store BodyGlide for Men.

    Hopefully it helps. Good Luck and happy running.
  • tjw00
    tjw00 Posts: 18 Member
    I've tried many many solutions, and not been happy with any of them till i came across a post on the New York Road Runner's facebook page about 2 years ago. I use this solution every day for any run over 5k since then. It's intended to be used on feet, and the bonus is that as a runner you'll probably need it anyway every once in a while.

    The product is Dr. Scholl's Moleskin:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EPQ9GY/

    I cut them into 2 inch circles. They stick just enough to never fall off, and they are relatively easy to get off after a run (helps if you sweat a lot like me)
  • GI_John_RN
    GI_John_RN Posts: 48 Member
    You can just put deodorant on them as well.
This discussion has been closed.

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