hi Fraiche again.
I think what u have is dry skin.
Maybe u might wish to try buying those "breastfeeding" cream, cos the moistures better. Or some mositurizing cream.
For myself (my experience lah), before I gave birth, my nipples have no problem. After I gave birth till now, my nipples cracked often. The doc gave me some steriod which I am using, and told me cos I have very dry skin. So only when it crack then I will use. Her advice is to mositurize often, also try to wear cotton bras. For me, instead, I will only use the steriod when it cracks (which is not often now) and use a breast pad(those washable version-those that bf mothers use) cos those are 100% cotton.
Hope this helps. But my advice is to still go to a doctor cos ur symptoms may not be same as mine.
(Actually no need to be shy, if shy, go to women doctor okay? It's better than not knowinig what's wrong)