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Why do nipples get hard for guys?

In addition to their being sensitive to cold, nipples can also become made erect as a result of breast-feeding or sexual arousal. Both stimulate the release of the hormone oxytocin, which triggers the pilomotor reflex.

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Screengrab from C-SPAN.

Rep. Barney Frank was "upstaged by his own chest" during a speech he gave Monday with erect nipples. According to the Huffington Post, his appearance “raised questions about how cold it was in the House chamber.” Why do nipples harden in the cold?

No one knows, but it's probably for the same reason that cold gives you goose bumps. Low temperatures stimulate the tiny muscles attached to your hair follicles, which cause the hairs to stand on end. In other, hairier mammals, this process, known as the pilomotor reflex, can produce a layer of insulation. In humans, it seems to be vestigial. The areolae (the colored areas surrounding the nipples) also have smooth muscle cells that contract when stimulated, and cold weather can make the skin pucker inward while the nipples stick out. The squeezing of these muscles may also lead to increased protrusion of the Montgomery glands—the little bumps around the nipples that secrete fluid to facilitate breast-feeding. (Both men and women have Montgomery glands; under the right circumstances, men can even lactate.) Few studies have been done on why the areolae, in particular, might be reactive to the cold. The areola is one of the most sensitive areas of the body, and it can be stimulated in both men and women. In addition to their being sensitive to cold, nipples can also become made erect as a result of breast-feeding or sexual arousal. Both stimulate the release of the hormone oxytocin, which triggers the pilomotor reflex. In breast-feeding mothers, this can be prompted by tactile stimulation, or simply by the sight of a hungry baby. Men and women are equally susceptible to the pilomotor reflex during sexual activity, though the effect is less noticeable on smaller, male breasts. Some people get erect nipples more frequently and easily than others, and this can be a source of pain or discomfort. In extreme cases, doctors suggest wearing breast petals (pasties), or nipple protectors (which are also available for men). Nipple protrusion also varies across mammalian species. Gorillas have been observed to develop erect nipples when physically aroused and beating their chests. Pinnipeds (including seals, sea lions, and walruses) have retractable nipples that remain tucked when pups aren’t feeding on them. Adult male rats don’t have nipples, and male horses don’t have teats. The nipples of a female dog shrivel after they get spayed. The platypus and the echidna don’t have nipples at all, but rather secrete milk through the pores in their skin.

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Why are my nipples itchy and cracking?

It can occur in conditions that affect the nipple area itself or in association with more generalized conditions, such as hives or eczema. Other common causes of itchy nipples include chemical irritants, such as soap and laundry detergent, dry skin, and side effects from medications.

A lot of things can cause itchy nipples. They are generally sensitive. They also stand out and can be irritated by friction, eczema, breastfeeding or pregnancy. Rarely, itchy nipples can be a sign of more serious disease. Even though your desire to scratch is great, the issue is usually easy to deal with. If you've been using over-the-counter products for a few weeks and the itching has not gone away, see your doctor.

What is Nipple Itching?

Nipple itch is a common symptom of allergies, inflammation, or even physical irritation and is characterized by a tingling, irritation, or discomfort on the surface of the skin. It can occur in conditions that affect the nipple area itself or in association with more generalized conditions, such as hives or eczema. Other common causes of itchy nipples include chemical irritants, such as soap and laundry detergent, dry skin, and side effects from medications. Contact dermatitis can also lead to itchy nipples. Depending on the cause, an itchy sensation may occur in one or both nipples, and redness, pain, swelling, or discharge from the affected nipples may accompany it. Allergic reactions can cause an itchy sensation in both nipples and sometimes throughout the chest, especially if you have been exposed to poison ivy or similar plants. In rare cases, itchy nipples are a symptom of breast cancer. If you have Paget's disease of the breast, you may have an itchy nipple besides the pain, tears, and scabs. During pregnancy, swelling and discharge may accompany itchy nipples.

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