A red bump on the nipple or areola can be concerning. This article provides general information on common causes. Many such occurrences are benign and resolve without intervention, but persistent or worrisome symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Harmless Reasons for a Nipple Bump
Many red bumps on the nipple or areola stem from common, non-alarming conditions that often clear up on their own. One frequent cause involves Montgomery glands, small, raised bumps located on the areola. These normal sebaceous glands lubricate the nipple and areola. While always present, they can become more prominent, swollen, or appear red due to hormonal fluctuations, such as during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy.
Blocked pores or pimples can develop on the nipple or areola. The skin contains oil glands and hair follicles that can become clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, leading to a pimple-like bump. Hormonal changes can increase sebum production, making blockages more likely. Friction from clothing can also play a role.
Another possibility is folliculitis, an inflammation of hair follicles. Small hair follicles around the areola can become inflamed, often due to bacterial infection, leading to red, sometimes pus-filled, bumps resembling pimples. This condition can be itchy or sore and usually resolves on its own.
Irritation or friction from external factors can cause temporary redness and bumps. Tight clothing, vigorous activity, or chafing can irritate the sensitive skin of the nipple and areola. Reactions to soaps, detergents, or lotions can also trigger contact dermatitis, leading to redness, itching, and bumps. These irritations typically subside once the offending factor is removed.
Other Causes Requiring Attention
Certain conditions causing nipple bumps may require medical diagnosis and intervention. Infections can manifest as red, painful bumps, with mastitis as an example. Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue, commonly affecting breastfeeding individuals. Symptoms include breast pain, warmth, swelling, and redness, sometimes appearing in a wedge-shaped pattern, along with fever or flu-like symptoms.
Untreated mastitis can lead to an abscess, a localized collection of pus within the breast tissue. An abscess typically presents as a painful, warm, red lump or swelling. This condition usually requires medical treatment, sometimes involving drainage.
Inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis or eczema can also affect the nipple and areola. They can cause the skin to become red, itchy, scaly, and sometimes develop small bumps or blisters. These conditions can result from genetic triggers or irritants.
Fungal infections, such as thrush (candidiasis), can also cause nipple issues, particularly in breastfeeding individuals. Symptoms often include intense itching, burning or stinging pain, and sometimes flaky or shiny skin. The nipples may appear bright pink or cracked.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many red bumps on the nipple are harmless, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if the bump persists for several weeks without improvement or if it changes in size, shape, or texture. Any significant pain, tenderness, or discomfort associated with the bump warrants a doctor’s visit.
Medical consultation is recommended if the bump is accompanied by nipple discharge, especially if bloody, clear, or unusual in color. Other concerning skin changes on the nipple or breast, such as dimpling, puckering, scaling, or a rash that does not heal, should also prompt a visit. Systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or general malaise along with the bump suggest a potential infection or other condition requiring prompt assessment. Only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.