Both men and women have bumps, bumps, and pimples on the nipple. STYLEBOOK asked a specialist what it is all about, where they come from and how to prevent them.
Are nipple pimples normal?
Raised patches of skin or pimples on the nipple occur in both men and women. They are completely normal, completely harmless and vary in size, shape and color.
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What is the function of pimples on the nipple?
“As a rule, the supposed pimples are the gland exits of the so-called Montgomery glands (Anm.d.Red.: Tubercula Montgomery oder Gland Areolare)“, knows Dr. medical Anne-Cathrin Stahr, specialist in gynecology in Munich. “These sebum glands produce an oily secretion, keeping the nipples supple and hydrated so they don’t dry out. They also regulate the pH value and thus protect against infections. Everyone has between 4 and 28 of these important glands in their areola.”
Were the glands always there?
Many women only suddenly notice the glands, although we have all had them since birth. This is because they actually change size and swell due to various factors. Thus, under certain circumstances, they may appear conspicuous and visible at first.
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What affects size?
1st pregnancy
“During pregnancy, the nipples change significantly. They usually get bigger and darker. At the same time, the glands at the areola swell and become more prominent as they produce more fat to prepare for the rigors of breastfeeding,” says Dr. steel. However, this is not yet a sure sign of pregnancy.
2. Hormonal changes
“The tissue of the mammary gland reacts sensitively to hormonal changes and swells in almost every woman around the time of menstruation, for example. This is because the glands store more water due to the increasing concentrations of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone in the blood,” says Dr. steel. “The intake and discontinuation of hormonal contraceptive methods can also affect the size.”
3. Stress
Psychological stress such as fear, anger or stress affect the skin and can also enlarge the glands in the areola.
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Harmless gland, pimple or symptom of illness?
Since the nipple is one of the most sensitive parts of the body, it is also more prone to irritation, which can manifest itself in pimples, inflammation or similar symptoms.
“As a rule, the elevations on the nipple are completely harmless. However, if they come on suddenly, hurt, bleed, itch and manifest with symptoms such as discharge, redness or a rash, this could indicate a disease. In this case, you should see your specialist,” advises Dr. steel.
Pimples as a clinical picture: treatment and cause
1. Pimples and acne
Acne can occur at any age and on any part of the body, including the nipples. Acne pimples can be easily distinguished from Montgomery glands because they usually have a white head (small pus head) filled with secretion.
Acne can be promoted in women if they do a lot of sport and wear a tight sports bra that does not breathe well and does not absorb sweat well.
“In many cases, acne and pimples in the nipple area can be left alone. However, if necessary, your doctor can also prescribe low-dose antibiotics for topical use,” says Dr. steel
2. Clogged hair follicles
There are always some hair follicles around the areola. When these become clogged, it can lead to ingrown hairs or pimples. “Clogged hair follicles usually clear up on their own. Only in rare cases can an ingrown hair cause an abscess that should be treated by a specialist,” says Dr. steel.
3. Hefepilzinfektion (Soor)
If the nipple pimples are accompanied by a rash, redness, itching, cracking, and whitish plaque, it could be a yeast infection called thrush, which can spread quickly.
Chest thrush is easily treated with antifungal medicines called antifungals, which are usually prescribed as an ointment. If the thrush infection occurs while breastfeeding, it could also have been transmitted to your child and should definitely be treated by a pediatrician.
4. Subareolar abscess
“Subareolar abscesses are collections of pus that form in the breast tissue. They are usually treated by draining the infected tissue and taking antibiotics,” says Dr. steel. “If the abscess returns, the affected glands can also be surgically removed.”
The most common cause of subareolar abscesses is mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary glands caused by bacteria. It usually occurs during breastfeeding and causes red, painful areas in the breast and fever. If there is any suspicion, your gynecologist should be consulted as soon as possible. Especially if blood and pus discharge are observed, it must also be checked for breast cancer.”
Inflammation of the mammary glands can also occur outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding. This usually occurs in smokers and is expressed by reddened, painfully swollen areas in the breast.
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Can I treat nipple pimples myself?
The following applies to both pimples and glands: do not scratch them or press them painfully. Even if it is obviously a pimple, it is advisable to either let it subside in peace or to consult a specialist if an illness is suspected.
Can you prevent pimples on the nipple?
“The most effective way to prevent nipple complications is a healthy lifestyle and good hygiene,” said Dr. steel. “Keep the nipple area clean and dry. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubs for cleaning to avoid unnecessary irritation of the skin. And it’s not just the nipples that are happy about a PH-neutral washing lotion that does not attack the skin’s protective barrier.”
Also make sure you wear breathable underwear that you change regularly and wash thoroughly. Also, remove sweaty clothing as soon as possible.
Women who are breastfeeding should take extra precautions to avoid nipple complications and pimples. This includes washing your hands thoroughly before and after breastfeeding.
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Do pimples only affect women?
Pimples on the nipple can occur in both men and women. However, women are more likely to be due to hormonal imbalances. Likewise, subareolar abscesses, particularly those caused by mastitis and yeast infections, are more common in women.
However, we should not forget that men can also develop breast cancer and other complications such as abscesses. Therefore, you should also consult a doctor if you have painful or swollen areas on the nipple.
Those
– with expert advice from Dr. med. Anne-Cathrin StahrGroup practice for gynecologists in Rosenstrasse in Munich