There are some running ailments we'd rather not talk about. Not because they're rare, but because it's simply not the most appealing topic to broach. Take bleeding nipples, for example. Anyone who's ever crossed the finish line with two red spots on their shirt knows exactly how painful this can be.
How exactly does this annoying problem arise?
The cause is simple, but treacherous: sweat and friction.
Sweat consists of a mixture of water, salt, and a few other minerals. When the water evaporates, tiny salt crystals remain on the skin. These crystals rub against your loose-fitting shirt like a natural scrub against your nipples, until, with a bit of bad luck, an open wound develops. This can make it feel like you've been rubbing your nipples with fine sandpaper for 26 miles.
But why are it mainly men who suffer from this?
Nipple bleeding is especially common in men. This is due to two key differences between men and women. Women often wear snug-fitting sports bras that protect their nipples and prevent the shirt from chafing directly against their skin. Men, on the other hand, usually wear a loose-fitting shirt that allows for free movement. Moreover, men often sweat more, and that extra salt further amplifies the chafing effect of the shirt.
Anyone who thinks, "After a few marathons, this problem will disappear on its own," is mistaken. The skin around the nipple isn't capable of thickening and therefore won't develop calluses. The skin always remains vulnerable. Without proper protection, you'll remain susceptible to this, no matter how often you run.
What can you do about it?
Fortunately, you don't have to accept this discomfort as "part of the sport." With the right preparation, it's easily preventable. A well-fitting, soft shirt without hard seams helps a lot. But the most effective protection is a barrier between your skin and fabric .
Sure, you could use a big jar of greasy cream, but then you'd be better off throwing your sports jerseys straight into the trash afterward. Those grease stains will never come out. A better option is to tape your nipples. At Reskin XL, we've developed a special patch for that: the Nipple Patch .
This ultra-thin, breathable patch conforms to your nipple like a second skin and moves smoothly with your body. After walking, simply rinse it with water and let it dry. This allows you to reuse the patch up to five times (depending on use and skin type). A major advantage over other similar solutions is that the silicone gel makes the patch painless to remove.
A small but important tip : the patch doesn't adhere well to hair. So, guys, don't be so gullible, just shave! Hair grows back faster than a bleeding nipple heals.
