Small bumps around the nipples are a common and often normal anatomical feature. Understanding their nature can alleviate concern.
Normal Bumps Around the Nipple
The most common bumps around the nipple are Montgomery glands (also known as Montgomery’s tubercles or areolar glands). These specialized sebaceous glands in the areola, the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple, produce an oily, protective substance called sebum. Sebum moisturizes the nipple and areola, preventing dryness and cracking, especially during breastfeeding.
Montgomery glands vary in size and number, and their prominence can change throughout a person’s life. Hormonal fluctuations, such as during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, can make them more noticeable. The sebum they secrete also contains antimicrobial compounds, offering a protective barrier against potential infections.
Beyond Montgomery glands, the areola also contains general sebaceous glands and hair follicles, which are normal components of skin. While typically less prominent, these structures can occasionally become more noticeable. Hair follicles, for example, can produce visible hairs or appear as tiny bumps. These are simply part of the skin’s natural architecture.
Other Common Benign Causes
Bumps around the nipple can also arise from other non-serious conditions. Blocked pores can occur in the areolar area when sebum and dead skin cells accumulate and clog a duct, appearing as small, sometimes discolored, raised areas. These typically resolve on their own or with gentle hygiene.
Another common cause is folliculitis, the inflammation of hair follicles. This can develop if an areolar hair follicle becomes irritated or infected. Folliculitis manifests as small, red bumps, sometimes with a pus-filled head, and may be tender. Maintaining good hygiene helps prevent and resolve these irritations.
Occasionally, small, benign skin growths like skin tags or cysts might appear in the areolar region. Skin tags are soft, harmless growths, while cysts are small sacs filled with fluid or semi-solid material. These bumps are generally not a cause for concern unless they become irritated or grow significantly. They usually do not require medical intervention unless they cause discomfort or cosmetic concern.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most bumps around the nipple are benign, certain signs and symptoms warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. Any rapid change in a bump’s appearance, such as sudden growth, color alteration, or irregular shape, should be evaluated. The development of new bumps that differ significantly from existing ones also warrants attention.
Additional concerning symptoms include localized pain, tenderness, persistent redness, or warmth around a bump. Pus or unusual discharge from a bump or the nipple indicates a need for medical assessment. Persistent itching, skin dimpling, or nipple retraction (where it appears to pull inward) also require professional evaluation. While these symptoms do not necessarily indicate a serious condition, a medical professional can accurately diagnose the underlying cause.
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
Consulting a healthcare professional about nipple bumps typically begins with a thorough medical history. The doctor will ask about when you first noticed the bumps, any associated symptoms, and your general health. This is followed by a physical examination of the breast and the specific bumps in question.
During the physical examination, the doctor will observe the size, texture, and mobility of the bumps. Based on this initial assessment, they may determine that the bumps are normal or benign. In some cases, the doctor might recommend additional diagnostic steps, such as imaging tests like an ultrasound. If there is a higher level of suspicion, a biopsy (where a small tissue sample is taken for microscopic analysis) might be suggested. Most evaluations ultimately confirm that the bumps are benign.