Could you tell me how to prevent nipple chafing while running? On my longer runs I constantly end up with bleeding nipples.
Answer by Dominique:
When I started running for longer periods, I started to feel a stinging sensation on my nipples. Sometimes it would get really uncomfortable, and I would be forced to remove my shirt. Examining myself at the house, I would notice that my nipples have turned red and tender. One day, I freaked out when I looked down and saw my shirt wet with blood where the nipples were.
A check at the net revealed that nipple chafing is a normal though painful and terribly irritating condition experienced by long distance runners. Apparently, the constant rubbing of the shirt on those sensitive buttons irritates the skin and oftentimes leads to a wound.
Since I wasn't about to hang in my running shoes, I looked for ways to defend my nipples. I came up with a few which I'd like to share.
First, I covered the nipples to prevent them from rubbing with my shirt.
I tried Band-Aids but they were too big.
They also fall off not long after I start to sweat since I have no choice but to stick them on my hairy chest.
I looked around for a better cover up, and that's when I discovered NipGuards.
They're small rounded pads that were really designed to protect nipples. They stay in position and don't peel off.
Another anti-nipple chafing protection I learned is to use creams, like Vaseline or
Bodyglide.
They work by putting a protective layer on the nipples. Using cream can be a good idea if you hate the feeling of something sticking to your buttons while you run.
There's just one bummer with creams though - they are washed off along with the sweat after about an hour of running.
You have to bring the cream with you and re-apply every now and then.
All in all, I find myself that NipGuards are the best way of how to prevent nipple chafing while running.
Hope this gives you some ideas to battle the bleeding nipples.
Good luck.
Cheers, Dominique
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