Small bumps on the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple, are common. These bumps are a natural part of breast anatomy and usually indicate normal physiological function. Understanding their purpose can provide reassurance.
Understanding Areolar Bumps
The small, raised bumps on the areola are known as Montgomery glands. These are specialized sebaceous (oil-producing) glands located on the surface of the areola and sometimes on the nipple itself. While present in everyone, their visibility can vary significantly.
These glands typically appear as small, fleshy bumps, sometimes resembling goosebumps or tiny pimples. Their number can range widely, from just a few to as many as 40 per areola, with an average often cited between 10 and 15. They are a normal component of breast tissue.
Purpose and Function
Montgomery glands produce an oily substance called sebum. This sebum is rich in lipids and functions to lubricate and protect the nipple and areola. This natural lubrication helps prevent the skin from drying out or cracking, which is particularly beneficial during breastfeeding. The secretions also possess antibacterial properties, offering a protective barrier against infection.
Beyond lubrication and protection, these glands play a role in guiding infants during breastfeeding. The sebum they produce contains volatile compounds that create a specific scent. This scent acts as an olfactory cue, attracting newborns to the breast and helping them locate the nipple for latching.
Normal Variations and Changes
The prominence and appearance of Montgomery glands can change throughout an individual’s life and vary between people. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations often influence their visibility. For instance, these glands may become more noticeable during puberty, at different points in the menstrual cycle, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding, due to shifts in hormone levels.
It is common for roughly half of individuals to notice more pronounced areolar glands as an early sign of pregnancy, even before a missed period. The number and size of these bumps are unique to each person, and a wide range of variations are considered normal. They may temporarily become more raised with nipple stimulation from touch or temperature changes.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While Montgomery glands are typically benign, certain changes warrant evaluation by a healthcare professional. It is advisable to seek medical advice if there are sudden, significant changes in the size, shape, or number of the bumps. Any new or persistent pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the area should also be discussed with a doctor.
Signs of potential infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or unusual discharge (like pus or blood) from the bumps, require medical attention. Additionally, any lumps or masses felt within the breast tissue itself, distinct from the areolar bumps, or persistent itching or a rash on the areola should be evaluated. These symptoms, while often benign, can sometimes indicate other conditions that require diagnosis and treatment.