Your nipples are very sensitive little organs! When they are stimulated either by touch, cold temperatures or sexual arousal, they harden (actually become erect) and part of that response is for the brown part (the areola) to shrink and wrinkle. It is kind of like a muscle contraction.
The areola also houses the Montgomery's gland that may appear as tiny, raised bumps on the surface of the areola. The Montgomery's gland helps lubricate the areola. When the nipple is stimulated, the muscle fibers will contract, the areola will pucker, and the nipples become hard. Breasts change through a woman's life.
The skin texture of the nipple is normally smooth, whereas the areola can be bumpy and pimple-like. Montgomery glands, which are responsible for lubricating the nipple and areola during lactation, are the raised areas on the areola. They may look like bumpy, white dots.
If the areola skin appears thicker than normal, has a different texture similar to that of an orange peel or is inflamed, visit your healthcare provider. It could be a rash, but it could also be a symptom of a rare form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer.
Montgomery tubercles are small bumps around your nipples and are completely normal. They are most common during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as around puberty and throughout the menstrual cycle.
On the areola there are some little raised bumps. These are quite normal and are called Montgomery glands. They produce fluid to moisturise the nipple. Your breasts change constantly throughout your life from puberty, through adolescence, the childbearing years, and then the menopause (change of life).
You should visit your GP if you notice any changes in the skin of your nipple or areola (the darker area of skin around the nipple). As Paget's disease is a form of breast cancer, the sooner it's diagnosed, the better the outcome is likely to be. Speak to your GP if you develop a lump in your breast.
The areola is a circular or oval area of skin on your breast that surrounds the nipple. It is darker in color than the rest of your breast or chest skin—usually a shade of red, pink, or brown. There is no "normal" size for areolas; they vary from person to person.
Also known as peau d'orange, dimpling of the breast causes the skin to look like the pitting and uneven skin of an orange. Sometimes, the skin can also be red and inflamed.
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.
"[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. Note that these oil glands can also become blocked, which may make them look larger or similar to a pimple.
The average size of the areola is 35 to 45 mm in diameter. It is also very common for the areola to be asymmetrical—that is, the right and left areolas are not exactly alike. If the size of the areola is larger or smaller than this range, it is not an abnormality, but is considered an anatomic variation.
Areolas can also change in size as you age, gain or lose weight, or experience hormonal changes during puberty, periods, pregnancy, or menopause. While most of these changes are normal and perfectly harmless, certain changes may warrant an examination by a healthcare provider.
It appears as a red, scaly rash on the skin of the nipple and areola. The affected skin is often sore and inflamed, and it can be itchy or cause a burning sensation. The nipple can sometimes be ulcerated. The rash is often similar in appearance to other skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis.
Both nipples and areolas (the circular skin around your nipple) come in different sizes and colors, from light pink to brownish black. The color of your nipples usually relates to your skin color. It's also totally normal to have some hairs growing around your nipples.
These are usually quite normal and nothing to worry about. Areolar glands can become more pronounced as a result of non pregnancy-related causes, such as: Hormonal changes due to your menstrual cycle, contraceptive pill, pre-menopause or menopause. Hormonal imbalances due to stress.
'Those who experience sad nipple syndrome have noted that when their nipples are touched or aroused, either by themselves or another person, they experience feelings of sadness, dread, depression, anxiety or even nausea.
Squeezing Montgomery glands
Although they look a bit like small pimples that could be popped, they're a normal part of your breast anatomy and should be left alone. Attempting to remove the tubercles by squeezing or picking might make them even more noticeable, or cause them to become infected.
Swollen Montgomery glands are not common and may be related to breastfeeding or pregnancy. The Montgomery glands should not be pushed or squeezed, as this can lead to irritation or infection.