The crustiness you're referring to is likely related to the discharge from the nipple that has dried, forming a crusty scale. In most cases, nipple discharge is nothing to worry about. It could be due to cysts in the breasts, non-cancerous tumors, or infection, among other conditions.
Nipple discharge can be normal in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB). It's always abnormal in men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Hormones, lactation or sexual arousal can be normal causes for nipple discharge. Abnormal causes could be from tumors, infection or rarely, breast cancer.
This is most often due to eczema or a bacterial or fungal infection. See your provider for treatment. Flaking, scaly, itchy nipples can be a sign of Paget disease of the breast. This is a rare form of breast cancer involving the nipple.
Depending on the cause, the nipples may feel itchy or sore, and the skin may appear cracked or flaky. Most causes of dry or itchy nipples are harmless and temporary. Causes range from chafing to hormonal changes. In females, dry nipples can be related to pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you see any crusty stuff around your nipple ring, gently rinse it off with warm water. After you wash your nipple, pat it dry with a clean paper towel. You can also soak your nipple in a saltwater solution made of a half-teaspoon of sea salt and warm water. You can let it air dry or pat it dry.
Montgomery glands can become filled with a waxy substance. The gland then resembles a pimple with a white or yellowish head. These spots are known as Montgomery tubercles. Women do not have to be pregnant or breast-feeding for this to occur.
Most pimples on the nipple should be left alone. The body will clear them without outside help, and popping them can make them worse. This is especially true on sensitive skin areas, including the nipple.
Avoid popping: Even though these glands may look like pimples on your breast, they are not pimples. You shouldn't try to pop them. Do not treat with acne medication. Not only can acne medication dry out your areola, but many acne treatments are dangerous.
These swollen glands can be filled with a waxy substance, giving them the appearance of a spot or a pimple with a yellowish or white head. These are harmless. You should avoid squeezing, popping or trying to unclog Montgomery glands because this could lead to infection or skin injury.
Your nipples can get hard (erect) and pop out when you're cold, sexually excited (turned on), nervous, or if something or someone touches them. Breasts and nipples are sexually sensitive, so touching them can feel good. Many people like having their breasts touched during sexual activity.
Generally speaking, breastfeeding your husband or partner is OK. It's not perverted or wrong if you want the person you are intimate with to breastfeed, or if they ask to try breastfeeding or taste your breast milk.
There are usually no obvious signs of thrush on your nipples. However some signs may be present and include: your nipples may appear bright pink; the areola may be reddened, dry or flaky. Rarely a fine white rash may be seen.
Nipples are sensitive, and they can hurt for lots of reasons. Tight clothes, rashes, and infections can all irritate the tender skin. For women, sore nipples are common during periods, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Any pain in your nipples can make you wonder if you have breast cancer.
Nipple tenderness in women of all ages can be caused by dry skin, injury, or friction. Breast tenderness can also be an early symptom of pregnancy.
These secretions also contain antibacterial properties that can protect your breasts and your baby from certain infections. Sometimes, Montgomery's tubercles become so enlarged that they look like fluid-filled pimples. You may be tempted to try to pop them, but don't: That can invite infection.
A subareolar abscess occurs when a gland or duct under your areola skin becomes blocked or clogged. When the duct is clogged and untreated, an infection can occur. Other less common causes of a subareolar abscess include diabetes, nipple piercings, and smoking.
Infected Montgomery glands
There might also be a pimple-like white head at the tip of the gland. This isn't the same as a yeast infection, which causes white spots and nipple or breast pain. See your care provider as soon as possible, to avoid further problems.
Staphylococcus aureus folliculitis: Infection of the hair follicle with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is one of the most common causes of folliculitis. Small red or white pus-filled pimples can be seen on the skin. The affected area often gets better (resolves) within a few days and can be cared for at home.
Start with clean skin (fresh out of a warm shower is best as the water will soften the skin a bit and open up pores and follicles). Then gently exfoliate the area in question with a dry brush. Soft, circular motions will loosen up any leftover skin cells, making it that much easier to extract the sucker in question.
Wash your nipples with just water, as soaps can remove your natural lubrication. This lubrication prevents your nipples from drying out and cracking while nursing. After each feeding, put a few drops of breastmilk on your nipples. This helps to moisturize your nipple and fight off possible infections.
Fluid leaking from one or both nipples when you are not breastfeeding is called nipple discharge. Clear, cloudy, or white discharge that appears only when you press on your nipple is usually normal. The more the nipple is pressed or stimulated, the more fluid appears.
The nipple has thin and delicate skin, making them prone to dryness, chafing, and redness. That's why it's worth incorporating a nipple cream or moisturizer into your routine that provides relief to dry skin and replenishes lost moisture.