White dots on nipples: main causes, treatment and prevention

White spots on the nipples, photos of which can be seen in medical reference books, appear for various reasons. Most often, pathology occurs against the background of hormonal imbalance during breastfeeding and pregnancy or gynecological problems.

Light spots practically do not develop without internal pathologies. Therefore, the symptom indicates an emerging inflammatory process in the body. To find out how to remove a white dot, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of formations.

Reasons for the appearance of white formations on the nipples

If white spots or dots appear on the nipples of the breast, is this normal or a sign of some kind of pathology, and what to do in this situation? Basically, their appearance does not have a serious pathological nature and, as a rule, is observed in women due to the following reasons:

In medicine, such dots on the nipples are divided into two conventional types:

1. Montgomery tubercles.
2. Dark spots.

Experts do not have complete information about the clinical nature of Montgomery's tubercles, so the following is assumed:

• They produce sebum to moisturize the areolas and nipples, thereby protecting their surface from drying out and cracking.
• Special substances are released that help accustom the baby to the mother's breast.

Pigment spots are flat in shape, which makes them difficult to detect during palpation of the nipple-areolar area:

• Usually they are brown in color, but sometimes white spots are also found, which indicates a deficiency of melanin (the substance responsible for the dark color of hair, eyes and skin).
• Pigmented areas are an independent condition that develops against the background of abnormalities in the body, and has absolutely nothing to do with Montgomery’s tubercles.

Additional characteristics and condition signs

Let us consider in more detail the nature of the manifestations of white inclusions on the tissues of the nipple area of ​​the mammary glands. In which cases are considered within normal limits, and in which it is better to seek advice from a mammologist.

White flecks

White spots on the nipple in most cases are a symptom of the following conditions:

1. The milk canal was blocked during breastfeeding.
2. Presence of Fordyce papules.
3. The onset of puberty in adolescents.
4. Hormonal changes occur due to the onset of menopause.

Light spots are observed during puberty and with the onset of menopause. At these age stages, there is a sharp fluctuation in the hormones testosterone, progesterone and estrogen in the body, so the production of melanin is not stable, which contributes to the formation of whitish formations.

You should be wary in cases where the white dot on the nipple of a non-breastfeeding woman begins to hurt, especially if she has never given birth. Similar symptoms are typical for malignant breast tumors.

It is necessary to consult a specialist and undergo diagnostics to determine the nature of the anomaly and further treatment.

White spots

White spots on the nipples indicate some abnormalities in the body. The main causes of abnormal processes are:

1. Hormonal imbalance.
2. Genetic predisposition.
3. Immune system disorders.
4. Diabetes.
5. Active production of fat in the breast.
6. Gynecological diseases.
7. Breast-feeding.
8. Dermatological diseases.
9. Excessive production of sebaceous substance.
10. Concentration of fatty fluid during hepatitis B.
11. Poor hygienic breast care.

In addition, the appearance of spots is often a sign of:

• Acrofacial vitiligo.
• Albinism (partial).

The appearance of painless white spots on the nipples in teenage girls is an occasional phenomenon. As soon as the hormonal levels stabilize, the symptom goes away on its own.

If such formations are observed on the nipples of a woman after 40 years of age, a doctor’s consultation is required, especially if there are accompanying symptoms:

• Itching.
• Pain.
• Swelling.
• Peeling.

Such symptoms are typical for nipple cancer (Paget's cancer).

Fordyce papules

Whitish pimples may not be independent formations, but Fordyce granules, which are not a disease and are considered cosmetic defects:

1. They are formed from dead particles of epithelium and have tiny dimensions (1-2 mm).
2. When pressed, a white, milky or gray thick secretion emerges.
3. The granules are painless and do not cause significant harm to health.
4. Sometimes they cause itchy discomfort during menstruation, which indicates the presence of Fox-Price syndrome in a woman (develops against the background of an imbalance in the endocrine system). The disease goes away on its own, around 30-40 years of age.
5. Often, instead of papules, small light-colored spots appear on the nipples, which is explained by unstable hormonal levels that disrupt the composition of the fatty component. Sebum acquires a denser consistency, thereby clogging the sebaceous canals.

Such balls are called seborrheic cysts, which often appear during puberty during hormonal fluctuations. They occur not only in women, but also in men.

White rashes

The appearance of white pimples on the papillae is a sign of blockage of the sebaceous gland channel. Such traffic jams form if a woman:

• Wears a tight bra or one made of synthetic fabric.
• Does not maintain sufficient body hygiene.
• Suffer from excessive sweating.

When the pores become clogged, spots similar to teenage acne appear and are red or white in color. When squeezed out, a green-gray thick content is released.

Experts warn against eliminating them yourself, in order to avoid introducing microbacteria into the Montgomery glands or sebaceous canals.

White dots during pregnancy

Whitish specks on the nipples of a pregnant woman's breasts are Montgomery's pimples, which were mentioned above. They arise as a result of hormonal surges and are often a sign of conceiving a baby and further preparing the female body for future breastfeeding:

1. Montgomery's glands sometimes become clogged with secreted sebum and particles of dead epidermal tissue, thereby blocking the milk ducts, which provokes the development of white spots.
2. They differ in volume and resemble small grains, sometimes they cause pain or do not provoke any unpleasant sensations at all.
3. If the number of “grains” is no more than 10-12 pieces, there is no need to worry - this is a normal situation during pregnancy.
4. Symptoms such as redness, enlargement and tenderness of the tubercles indicate inflammation of the breast tissue due to infection in the milk ducts due to a weakened immune system. In such a clinic, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe a course of antibiotics.

Light spots or inclusions during lactation

Usually, with the beginning of lactation, whitish spots on the papillae acquire a brighter appearance, which is not considered an anomaly, so they are not dangerous to the body. Typically, Montgomery's tubercles disappear after the completion of breastfeeding.

However, the white dot on the papilla during breastfeeding sometimes has a pathological character:

In addition, not all ducts can be blocked by a plug, but only one. In this case, a blister forms, in which milk begins to accumulate. A small, painful white papule appears on the nipple and releases colostrum when gently pressed.

If candidiasis is suspected, medical consultation and the use of antifungal agents are necessary, which are prescribed exclusively by a specialist.

Thrush

Thrush brings women of any age a lot of discomfort. Thrush usually appears when the female body is weakened. When a woman gets thrush, cracks and erosions appear on her nipples. They cause a lot of anxiety while feeding the baby.

If a mother with thrush feeds her baby, she can infect him. Bacteria will enter the child's mouth. Therefore, when treating thrush in a nursing mother, an integrated approach is necessary: ​​both mother and baby should be treated.

Therapeutic features and treatment regimens

How to remove a white dot on the nipple, what treatment measures can be used? Specific therapeutic measures depend on the provoking factor that led to the pathological clinic and the manifested symptoms.

First of all, you need to contact your gynecologist or mammologist. The specialist will determine what exactly triggered the development of white spots on the papillae and will prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Removing blocked sebaceous glands

Systematic rashes on the skin of the chest or nipples are a consequence of poor nutrition. For example, a passion for fatty foods does not have the best effect on the functionality of the intestines and reduces the activity of metabolic reactions, which leads to a deterioration in the functions of the sebaceous glands.

In addition, systematic consumption of food allergens causes slow poisoning of the body, which manifests itself as a rash on the body, including on the papillae.

If there is persistent blockage of the sebaceous glands in the nipple area, the following should be removed from the menu:

• Sausages.
• Honey.
• Sweets.
• Citruses.
• Nuts.
• Carbonated drinks.
• Canned food.
• Animal fats.
• Hot seasonings and sauces.

Preference should be given to vegetables, fruits and cereal porridges, which promote better intestinal motility and accelerate metabolic reactions.

If your skin is hypersensitive, you should discard highly aggressive hygiene products and replace them with hypoallergenic ones.

Removing depigmentation

Vitiligo cannot be treated, but signs of the disease can be controlled with a comprehensive medication approach. For this purpose the following are appointed:

1. Tablets that help improve the performance of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
2. Products that strengthen the immune system.
3. Vitamin complexes containing copper, ascorbic and nicotinic acid, zinc.

As an addition to medications, the following are recommended: low-intensity ultraviolet baths, massage manipulations.

Women with vitiligo patches need to remember:

• It is prohibited to be topless in the sun.
• When staying outside for a long time, use sunscreen.
• Adjust your diet.
• Control hormonal levels.
• Elimination of stressful situations.

Treatment of Fordyce papules

Seborrheic cysts do not require a special therapeutic approach. The only thing doctors recommend is maintaining hygiene and refraining from manual squeezing to avoid infection of the nipples.

However, if it is necessary to remove this defect, then the following therapeutic measures are applied:

How to remove a plug from the milk ducts

Elimination of blockage of the milk ducts during lactation is carried out in the following ways:

For regular blockages, the doctor prescribes Lecithin and a course of ultrasound treatment.

Treatment of acne spots

If you have an inflammatory white rash, it is better to refrain from using ointments and other medications and cosmetics on your own. Treatment is prescribed only by a specialist, based on the diagnostic results.

To prevent whiteheads you need to:

• Make air baths for the nipples.
• Avoid wearing synthetic bras.
• Regularly wash your breasts and follow other hygiene procedures.
• The nipple area can be treated with aloe or carrot juice.

Breast-feeding

A blocked duct is usually a white dot (or bubble) on the nipple. Thickened milk or curds clog one duct and prevent the rest of the milk from coming out.

Sometimes the plug is not visible, but it is noticeable that milk does not flow from one duct or barely oozes, and above it it stagnates. Often, blockage leads to lactostasis (see the selection Mastitis, lactostasis).

How to deal with a blocked duct? What are its reasons?

Among the reasons are an insufficiently deep latch on the breast (due to which one of the ducts is emptied worse) - sometimes one or two unsuccessful feedings are enough. Also – an increase in the interval between feedings for various reasons (travel, ate a lot of complementary foods, etc.).

First aid is to simply feed the baby from this breast, ideally with the chin towards the problem point (because the lower jaw is better at expressing the breast).

It is important that the baby sucks this breast for a long time and well, perhaps several times in different positions.

If this does not help, then they usually advise 1) preparation: pre-steam the chest, or rub the nipple with a towel. It may also help to rub such a point with a sterile cotton swab moistened with warm sterilized oil.

After this, 2) the baby is applied and/or the mother can gently press “upstream” on the clogged duct, along it towards the nipple, to express milk in this lobule and push the plug.

Some also use a breast pump, although this is less effective. When the plug pops out, a fountain of milk often appears. And before that, milk may not come out at all or ooze droplets.

If milk has stood in such a duct for some time, it often tastes saltier - this can help determine that this particular duct is problematic.

3) If you can’t cope quickly on your own, you can consult a doctor. If a bubble has formed on top of the blockage, the doctor may puncture the bubble with a sterile needle (you can explain the situation to the doctor and what is usually done in this case, see the quote below from doctor Jack Newman).

If the situation repeats , then it would be good to check the attachment to the breast (it can deteriorate due to cutting teeth, using a pacifier, bottle, or sippy cup). Ultrasound or taking lecithin may also help (see below for details). The reason may also be an increased interval between feedings (traveled somewhere, slept all night, ate a lot of complementary foods and did not latch on).

In this case, you just need to watch and not allow long breaks; if you don’t want or can’t breastfeed your baby, express a little milk yourself. Occasionally, the cause may be some combination of foods in the mother's diet, especially an abundance of calcium (dairy products, some medications - you can track what changed during the period when blockages began to appear).

Some mothers noted that frequent blockages occurred in breast segments prone to mastopathy. You need to review all unusual products in your diet, including vitamins and dietary supplements. One mother said that the blockages stopped when she began to drink noticeably more clean water.

Another doctor ordered a vitamin D test, the test showed a severe deficiency of the vitamin, taking it eliminated the problem of constant blockages.

4) Another possible problem is that for some mothers, despite the actions described above, the white spots do not go away for a long time. Moreover, the duct may not become clogged with “curd” or solid material, but it still closes.

This happens due to the fact that the chest is injured again and again, and in this place the wound heals (its edges grow together). Due to this, the duct becomes “clogged” with the overgrown skin itself and milk does not come out or does not come out well.

The white dot in this case may not be due to the plug, but to the fact that the milk partially penetrates the tissue. The main idea of ​​treatment in this case is to maintain patency of the duct. In [1], it is proposed to first take baths for the nipples with salt water for 5-7 days before and after feedings, and empty the breasts of milk.

If the baths do not help, then it is suggested to pierce the duct and/or use antibacterial and hormonal creams.

Such treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.

For example, one method of treating a duct from which milk cannot flow and which constantly becomes clogged involves “piercing” a hole in the duct with a blunt needle treated with an antiseptic, for example, the blunt end of a sewing needle treated with alcohol, expressing, and then lubricating with hormonal cream, so that the edges of the wound do not grow together, and the sore itself heals.

You have to pierce it as needed, up to 2 times a day, if the duct is “clogged” again. This treatment is carried out under the supervision of a dermatologist or a knowledgeable doctor of another specialty, experienced with breastfeeding mothers (for example, a mammologist). If you pierce or “pry” the sore with a sharp needle, there is a much higher chance that the wound will heal again.

Some mothers even have to stop feeding their baby for this period if sucking causes retraumatization of the nipple. Hormonal cream, if prescribed by a doctor, accelerates healing, and antibacterial cream protects against infection. If the tactics are correct, the situation goes away or at least improves greatly within a week.

The differences between a milk plug and skin overgrowth at the exit of the duct are summarized in a convenient table in the article What’s that whitening there? (Article by Tatyana Kondrashova on the New Level).

example of working with blockage in a medical protocol

[1] https://gvinfo.ru/pain_NC_protocol_2018 (p. 6)

information about a scientific publication describing the treatment of a duct overgrown with skin https://subscribe.ru/archive/home.children.gvconsultant/201211/09004306.html

material

https://www..com/watch?v=d7FGpVsrgYM&feature=youtu.be short but clear. Useful to watch along with the description below

https://www..com/watch?v=goTH6Bh5cLc&feature=youtu.be video with a needle. It is best to use this method under the supervision of a healthcare professional.