What Causes Bumps On And Around The Nipples

Any bump on or around the nipple is worth checking. Your nipples are delicate. In most of the cases of the bumps on or around the nipple may not be a cause of concern but it may be an indication of serious underlying disease that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.

Before digging into the treatment for bumps on or around the nipples, let us first learn the reasons behind the same.

What Causes Bumps On And Around The Nipples

#1. Acne

Acne is not limited to face but can develop anywhere on the body wherever oil, dirt and sweat can invade the skin pores. The acne on the nipples are usually bump with circular white top and red area underneath.

#2. Eczema

Eczema can form around on the nipple or around. In most cases, it is reaction to lotions, laundry detergent and irritation from clothing fibres. It is a condition that causes scarring bumps and itch that may affect one or both the breast. 

#3. Ingrown Hair

There are small hair follicles around your nipples. If these small hairs curl, back into the skin it leads to ingrown hair. If the hair follicle gets infected it results in irritated bumps that itch and swell.

#4. Hidradenitis Suppurative

It is a condition where sweat glands become blocked and leads to irritation, inflammation and infection of the skin. This condition mostly effects the groin and armpit but it may affect the skin around the nipple and under the breast. It results in irritated and red bumps in the area where sweat gland is present.

#5. Subareolar Abscess

Sub areolar abscess is skin infection that happens due to the build-up of bacteria in the protein of the breast tissue. This condition can affect both breastfeeding and not breastfeeding females. There are bumps and redness along with tenderness, swelling and pain.

#6. Milk Blisters

This medical condition is common in breastfeeding females. It is characterized by bumps filled with breast milk trapped in the breast ducts that look like pimples but are blisters. Milk blisters are painful but not dangerous.

#7. Yeast Infection

Yeast infection of nipple also known as nipple thrush is very common in breastfeeding women. This condition results in red nipple that itch, flake or crack and cause pain in breast and nipple during breastfeeding.

#8. Paget’s Disease

Padget’s disease is a rare breast cancer that effects less than 5% of females suffering from breast cancer. This condition is seen in females who have already suffered from breast cancer and results into symptoms such as itching, irritation scaling and redness.

#9. Montgomery’s Tubercles

Montgomery tubercles are oil-producing glands present on areola as small bumps. These protective glands produce oil, keeps the nipples soft, and prevents infection especially during breastfeeding and pregnancy. During pregnancy, Montgomery tubercles enlarge.  

#10. Breast Cancer

Bumps on nipples is not common in breast cancer but may be possible. If you notice indrawn nipples or discharge coming out of the nipple better see your doctor.

#11. Nipple Piercing

Beside the above conditions, bumps on or around the nipple is also common in people with nipple piercing especially in those who are new to it. Nipple piercing may result into hematomas or cyst, which are the collection of blood or fluid underneath the skin resulting into bumps on the nipples. Few people may also develop keloid after nipple piercing.

What Is The Treatment Of Bumps On And Around The Nipples

The treatment of bumps on or around the nipples depend upon the underlying cause. A few causes such as Montgomery tuberculosis do not need any treatment.

Below are a few general tips on how to treat bumps on or around the nipple.

Tips To Resolve Bumps On or Around The Nipples

Keep your breast clean and dry. Wash your breasts daily with lukewarm water and mild soap.

Refrain the application of fragrant lotion on your breast.

Do not wear bra washed with fragrant detergent.

Change your sweatshirt and sports bras immediately after exercising or strenuous activity that cause you to sweat.

Wear cotton clothes that allows the skin to breathe.

If even after taking the above steps, the bumps on or around the nipples do not resolve, better talk to your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.