If you use a cream, don't use anything with a petroleum-oil base, look for a water-soluble cream.
One thing that might be happening is that there is some slight discharge in them that is coming out and drying in the cracks and crevices. Look with a magnifying mirror or some magnifying glasses, and with very clean hands (like right after a bath) gently scratch on the nipple if it seems like there is anything dried in the folds of the skin. Cleaning that out (again, with really clean nails and really gently) can immediately stop the itching.
any hydrating lotion would do the trick you arent yet breast feeding so its not a concern... and if you want you can use lanolin...