You should watch out for changes in the appearance or sensation of your nipples, as well as any unusual discharge or lumps, as these could indicate an underlying medical condition. While many causes are minor, some symptoms may point to more serious issues like infection or breast cancer, which require prompt medical attention.
Skin changes of the nipple
The skin of the nipple can become red and scaly or crusted, or it may thicken. These can be important signs of a types of breast cancer, particularly Paget disease.
Contact a healthcare provider if: The nipple pain is persistent or doesn't go away. You have nipple pain associated with breastfeeding or pumping. There are changes to your skin color or texture anywhere on your breast.
nipple discharge (if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it. a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (it may look like eczema) sores or ulcers on your chest.
A recent change in a nipple to being pushed in instead of sticking out. Bloody nipple discharge. Changes in skin color, warmth, swelling or pain. Changes in the way your breasts look or feel, including thickening or noticeable fullness that is different from the surrounding tissue.
What are the early warning signs of nipple conditions?
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.
Bumps can be a normal part of your nipples.
Areolas can vary in shape, size, and color depending on the person. “[Areolas] contain small, sensitive bumps called Montgomery's glands, which secrete a fluid that keeps the nipples lubricated,” explains Dr. Aliabadi. So bumps are kinda part of the anatomy.
Hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola is an uncommon but benign skin disorder characterized by warty thickening and pigmentation of the nipple, the areola, or both. The condition does not resolve spontaneously and can persist without intervention.
Ongoing pain, cracks or bleeding are often signs of nipple issues or conditions affecting your nipple or breast, for example, poor attachment or infection.
Some nipples are round, while others are more elongated or even cone-shaped. You may have noticeable bumps or protrusion on the tip, called Montgomery glands. These glands secrete an oily substance that helps keep the nipple lubricated and protected.
Apply Lemon and Orange Juice
Citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, are natural bleaching agents due to their high vitamin C content. The acidity of these kinds of fruits is highly effective in reducing pigmentation and promoting a lighter skin tone, making it an ideal natural nipple whitening treatment.
Visual examination
Look for any changes in breast shape, swelling, dimpling in your skin or the position of your nipples. Raise your arms high above your head and look for the same changes. Put your hands on your hips and squeeze your chest muscles so they're flexed. Look for the same changes again.
It is important to stop expressing, or squeezing the nipple and breast, as this causes more fluid to be made. As in breast feeding, the breast will produce fluid to replace the fluid that is removed, and this will continue as long as you are expressing. The discharge will usually stop when you stop expressing.
Describing nipple vasospasm
Some women describe the pain as a burning and throbbing. You may notice the nipple or the tip of the nipple blanches or turns white. You may notice other colour changes of the nipple. The nipples may turn blue or purple or red before returning to their normal colour.
Montgomery tubercles, also known as Montgomery glands, are raised white bumps that look similar to goosebumps on the nipple and surrounding areola. They are named after William Fetherstone Montgomery, an Irish physician and obstetrician who first described them in 1837.
Symptoms
Common causes of sore nipples include friction caused by clothing during exercise, an infection, eczema, sexual contact, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. In more serious cases, nipple pain may point to cancer or Paget's disease.
Traditionally, healthcare providers diagnosed a nipple yeast infection (also called “nipple thrush” or “mammary candidiasis”) based on how it looked. They'd look for signs like redness, cracked skin or swelling around the nipples. They'd also ask about symptoms like shooting pain or itching.
The "three-finger test" for breasts refers to the technique used in a breast self-exam (BSE) where you use the pads of your three middle fingers (index, middle, ring) to feel for lumps or changes, applying light, medium, and firm pressure to cover all breast tissue and the armpit, moving in circular or vertical patterns to detect new lumps or thickening. This method, often done while lying down or showering, helps you become familiar with your normal breast texture, but it's a supplement to, not a replacement for, regular clinical exams and mammograms for early detection.
You may be concerned about bumps on your areola, but there is generally no need to worry. These bumps are called Montgomery glands, or Montgomery's Tubercles, and act to moisturise the nipples. They are present in both men and women and may look like small pimples on the areola.
Flat or inverted nipples are often harmless variations that you're born with. But if you have protruding nipples and suddenly notice they're flat or inverted, tell a healthcare provider. This change can still be harmless, but it's sometimes a sign of cancer or another condition that needs treatment.
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast. Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area. Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood. Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
Look at the skin for any dimpling or redness. Particularly look for any changes around your nipple area such as a nipple that is pulled inwards or in a different direction to how it is normally.