Nature entrusts a woman with the most important function - giving birth and raising a child, and this requires excellent health. The health of the unborn child depends on how healthy a woman is. As girls grow older, they begin to take better care of themselves and pay closer attention to changes in their bodies.
During puberty, girls notice the growth of the mammary glands, changes in the papillae and the formation of pimples on them, which often cause excitement and frequent questions about the nature of their origin. In the article we will tell you about pimples on the nipples: what they are, where they come from and what their condition and appearance are considered normal.
Features of formations
Modified sebaceous glands look like tubercles. They cover the nipple halo and secrete a special secretion. Doctors still have not figured out what benefits this liquid has for the body. According to one version, lubricant is necessary to prevent the delicate skin on the nipples from drying out in hot weather. Another version says that the secret has bactericidal properties; it disinfects the areola in case of scratches and other damage. In a pregnant woman, these tubercles may secrete milk.
But doctors are more inclined to believe that the secreted fluid is necessary during lactation . It contains substances that enhance the natural taste and smell of mother's milk. Thanks to them, the child quickly gets used to the mother's scent. Today in medicine, research is being conducted on the artificial synthesis of secretions. It is planned to be used to introduce premature babies to breastfeeding.
In men, such changes in the nipples are isolated cases; the sebaceous glands in the chest area produce much less secretion. And with changes in the body, infections affect other organs.
Description of symptoms
Since the phenomenon has pathological and physiological causes, it must be differentiated.
Pathological symptoms include:
- Rashes near the nipple areola, causing serious discomfort in the form of itching or burning.
- Changes in the skin with the development of redness and hyperthermia of the areas.
- Increased body temperature, signs of intoxication, general weakness and malaise.
- A sharp deterioration in health, the appearance of purulent pimples and the subsequent release of secretions from the damaged areas.
Rashes of a purulent nature, which subsequently turn into ulcers that do not heal over a long period of time, with the release of secretions may indicate the presence of a disease such as syphilis.
Severe itching and severe redness of the skin in certain places are also regarded as signs of a pathological nature. In this case, you should see a doctor and undergo all the necessary examinations.
Reasons for appearance
White pimples form on the nipples for several reasons. The most common in medical practice:
- Montgomery tubercles;
- changes in the hormonal background of the body;
- acne, blockage of the sebaceous glands;
- epithelial pathologies;
- allergic reaction to food or personal care products.
Similar pimples on the papillae appear in women at any age. They can grow singly or completely fill the halo area. If lumps appear in the last trimester of pregnancy, this indicates the imminent arrival of milk. The more pimples that grow around the nipple, the more nutrition the baby will receive. But after the lactation period, the tubercles completely disappear.
Their formation or increase in a nulliparous woman may be a sign of pregnancy. In some girls, they become inflamed from the first day of conception, this is evidence of successful fertilization of the egg. This phenomenon is considered normal and does not need to be treated. You should not squeeze out the contents of the pimples, as infection can enter the body through open pores.
Often inflammation appears in the tubercles; in this case, the diagnosis is carried out by a mammologist or gynecologist. The pimple turns red and hurts when pressed.
Primary symptoms can be relieved with chamomile decoction. But if this does not help, then it is better to consult a doctor. It is forbidden to apply hot compresses to the breast, and during lactation, stop feeding.
Is it necessary to see a doctor?
In case of regular appearance of acne and other rashes on the papilla and mammary gland, especially if there is a tendency to inflammation, you should visit a therapist.
In this situation, you may need to consult additional specialists:
- Dermatologist.
- Mammologist.
- Gynecologist.
- Cosmetologist.
- Allergist.
Highly specialized doctors will help determine the cause of the pathology and prescribe the appropriate treatment regimen.
In some cases, a comprehensive examination of the body is indicated, which makes it possible to determine the factor that provokes acne:
- Submission of laboratory tests.
- Ultrasound of internal organs.
- Ultrasound of the endocrine glands.
You cannot self-medicate, much less squeeze out pimples or remove them in some other way. Any illiterate actions increase the risk of widespread spread of the inflammatory process.
Signs of diseases
In addition to natural reasons for the formation of a pimple on the papilla in women, there are also deviations. Tubercles appear due to various diseases and pathologies:
- acne;
- boils;
- atheroma;
- eczema;
- Paget's syndrome;
- allergic reactions.
In girls, hormonal levels are unstable during puberty. The sebaceous glands produce too much secretion, it does not have time to be evenly distributed over the skin and clogs the pores. Therefore, a purulent pimple on the nipple or blackheads may appear.
The epithelium on the chest is very delicate, so the slightest damage allows infections to quickly penetrate the body. This leads to a decrease in immunity, and sometimes furunculosis develops. It occurs in women who do not observe personal hygiene rules. The disease must be treated by a dermatologist.
The secret protects the skin from viruses and cracking. But it can accumulate in the ducts, causing a white pimple with purulent contents to appear on the nipple. This formation is called atheroma and is considered benign. But it is not recommended to leave it unattended; you should take all measures to quickly remove it.
Eczema is a common skin disease. If it affects the mammary glands, then multiple warts may appear on the nipple area. Provoking factors are considered to be stress, allergies, the use of synthetic underwear, and problems with the endocrine system.
A growing malignant nevus on the chest is referred to as Paget's syndrome. The disease affects the areola of the nipple, small white pimples grow. A woman should immediately visit a doctor, as there is a possible risk of developing cancer. In allergic reactions, a red rash appears on the epithelium. Cracks form on the nipples, microbes get into them, causing burning and itching. The blisters have liquid contents, sometimes they are cloudy. You can get rid of allergies with the help of antihistamines, and you also need to identify the product that causes the pathology and eliminate it from everyday life.
Pathological conditions
Some pimples around and inside the nipple of the breast are a consequence of the development of pathology.
- Eczema. A complicated form of allergy, the result of excessive friction or hormonal imbalance.
- Neurodermatitis. An allergic reaction develops after nervous stress and mental disorders.
- Atheroma. A subcutaneous clot of adipose tissue forms not only on the dermis, but also on the nipples. Blockage of the duct leads to the accumulation of secretions, which leads to the formation of a wen. The symptom is the presence of a rolling ball inside.
- Telit. Redness of the entire surface of the nipple is called by this medical term.
- Mastitis. The inflammation is located inside the mammary gland and spreads to the nipple and areola (blood is often released from them).
Treatment methods
Without consulting a doctor, you should not use medical or cosmetic preparations to treat acne on the nipples. Do not use products containing salicylic acid and alcohols. Substances can dry out the delicate skin on the chest, causing cracks, increased inflammation, and a new rash.
Boils and acne are removed with the help of local medicines . Vishnevsky ointment or Ichthyol ointment, Levomekol, Dimexide are suitable. In rare cases, oral antibiotics - Amoxicillin - are used. The medicine stops the proliferation of pathogenic microbes and also promotes the resorption of pimples. The drug Erythromycin deactivates staphylococci. Sometimes doctors prescribe hormone therapy.
Showering daily and maintaining personal hygiene will prevent the formation of chest acne. Nipples need to be regularly cleaned of dead skin cells, for which tar soap is suitable. Bed linen and clothes are changed regularly and do not use other people's towels.
Of traditional medicine, only gentle ones are suitable; they do not cause irritation. You can make lotions from decoctions of chamomile, sage and calendula, and use masks based on aloe juice. Strong medications with retinoids are not recommended, and taking vitamin A is a must for women with nipple bumps. Compresses made from natural carrot juice also help.
What are there
Nipple rashes can have different types. Depending on the nature of the problem, the doctor selects treatment tactics.
White
Such rashes are observed when the Montgomery glands are blocked. They usually do not provoke pain and do not cause anxiety in the patient. Therefore, white pimples do not force a person to see a doctor.
Read how to use homemade facial cleanser for acne. Cheap acne remedies. More details here.
Reds
Such pimples are formed when the sebaceous ducts become clogged and an infection joins this process. This is a more dangerous problem than white rashes. If it becomes serious, you should consult a doctor to check your hormone balance.
Prevention and care rules
If skin diseases occur, a woman’s diet needs to be adjusted. A balanced diet will help strengthen the body and restore hormone function. All sweets and baked goods, fatty meats and fish, fried, spicy and salty foods, herbs and spices, and pickled foods are excluded from the menu. It is advisable to steam, boil and bake food.
If you have an allergy, you need to identify the irritant and exclude its contact with the body. Atheroma can only be removed surgically; the operation is performed under local anesthesia. Complex therapy, including the use of radio waves and hormonal drugs, is necessary for Paget's syndrome. In rare cases, organ-saving or radical surgery is performed.
Acne can be prevented. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to your health and lifestyle:
- all clothing should be made from natural fabrics;
- take a shower every day, take a bath weekly;
- Be sure to include fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet;
- Bed linen, towels and clothes should be changed and washed regularly.
The first stages of the disease are easy to cure even with traditional methods. But it is better not to self-medicate; the doctor will be able to examine the breasts and prescribe an appropriate method of therapy. Following a healthy lifestyle and personal hygiene recommendations will help avoid the formation of acne on the nipples.
Preventive actions
The following preventive measures will help to avoid the development of rashes:
- following the rules of personal hygiene, using baby soap when washing;
- give preference to things made from natural fabrics, monitor the quality of clothing;
- eat right, see a healthy lifestyle, do not drink alcoholic beverages;
- exercise moderately, avoid heavy overloads, they weaken the body.
The rules are simple and clear: you should monitor the health of your skin, avoid injuries and damage to the skin, and use chemicals with caution.
Such advice will not help get rid of the problem, but rather reduce the risks of its occurrence. But if the cause of the rash is pathological, then only competent therapy aimed at correcting the underlying disease will help prevent its occurrence.
Conclusion
When a pimple appears in the nipple area, you should not panic. This is a normal phenomenon and one can only talk about pathology in certain cases.
Doctors warn! Shocking statistics - it has been established that more than 74% of skin diseases are a sign of parasite infection (Accarida, Giardia, Toxocara). Worms cause enormous harm to the body, and the first to suffer is our immune system, which should protect the body from various diseases. The head of the Institute of Parasitology shared the secret of how to quickly get rid of them and cleanse your skin, it turns out that’s enough. Read more .
If the rash does not go away on its own or the process of skin damage progresses quickly, then it is better not to risk it and consult a doctor for advice.
The dangers of chest acne
The structure of the mammary glands contains fatty and glandular tissues, so most often acne rashes are accompanied by swelling. In the absence of proper treatment, ulcers or acne on the surface of the nipple or areola can penetrate into the deep layers of the gland, provoking the development of internal purulent inflammation. Mastitis is most dangerous during the lactation period.
When there is a hormonal imbalance, a rapid blockage of the sebaceous ducts of the breast occurs. This can lead to the formation of atheroma. The formation is benign and represents a subcutaneous capsule.
A lump on the chest can increase in size and become inflamed. Often, atheroma becomes a focus of chronic infection.
