The appearance of a lump in the mammary gland in women. Lump near the nipple Lump near the nipple

Among a large number modern diseases, women are concerned about those related to the mammary glands. In addition to the well-known breast cancer, there are many other pathologies that can be very dangerous for general health. The most common symptom is a lump appearing in the mammary gland among women. Of course, a diagnosis cannot be made based on one lump; this symptom is not enough for diagnosis. A lot depends on where it is located, its size, density, and what other symptoms are present.

A small lump in the breast can appear for natural reasons related to hormonal processes in the body, before, during, or at the end of menstruation. If, month after month, lumps appear during these periods without causing pain or discomfort and are not accompanied by discharge from the nipples, then there is nothing to worry about. However, when visiting a doctor, this should definitely be mentioned.

There are a number of other cases when a lump in the chest can become the main symptom of a serious illness that requires urgent treatment. If a lump appears inside the mammary gland (in the tissues), on the chest (under the skin), near the nipple or on the nipple itself, you should immediately consult a specialist. You should also pay attention to the lumps that appear in the armpits, because this area is connected to the breasts by lymph nodes.

What to do if you feel a lump in your chest

When a lump begins to be felt in the mammary gland, you need to consult a mammologist. Before going to a specialist, it is important to pay attention to your general health: temperature, whether the lump hurts, whether there is discharge from the nipples, where exactly the lump is felt. All these factors will help the doctor create a clearer picture that is understandable for diagnosis.

Possible diseases

The formation of a lump in the mammary gland is accompanied by several diseases:

Fibrocystic mastopathy

This is one of the forms of mastopathy common among nursing mothers. The cause of the appearance of lumps is the excessive growth of certain areas of the mammary gland. Because of this, cavities appear - cysts, and various nodes in the lump. These processes affect both breasts; among the symptoms there is also pain, the strength of which varies over the course of the day. menstrual cycle. Lumps may appear in the armpits. The difference is the benign nature of these seals. This type of mastopathy has never turned into cancer. But this does not mean at all that it does not need to be treated. Sometimes it is necessary to remove (remove) formed nodes.

Benign tumor

A small lump may well turn out to be a single benign formation in the mammary gland. These neoplasms are divided among themselves according to histological characteristics:

• Fibroadenoma
• Papilloma (intraductal)
• Lipoma
• Cyst

Such tumors can form under the influence of mastopathy, but they can also appear independently, and not as a consequence of the disease.

Abscess

It appears rarely and only in women during breastfeeding. This disease implies the presence of an area with purulent melting. An abscess is a consequence of mastitis, if left untreated. Simply put, it is inflammation of the mammary gland. Mastitis occurs when harmful bacteria enter the breast ducts, as well as when milk stagnates. An abscess looks like a hard lump that causes severe pain. An abscess is such if there are additional symptoms:

• Promotion general temperature bodies.
• Change in breast shape as a result of tissue swelling.
• Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm.
• General weakness and malaise similar to a cold.

Mammary cancer

Exactly this dangerous disease, a harbinger of which may be the appearance of a lump. The whole danger of cancer lies in the fact that it for a long time does not show any symptoms. Often it can only be detected by late stages. Cancer tumor very dense in its formation, while having strong fusion with the surrounding tissue.

The appearance of formations on and around the nipple

Lumps can appear not only in the mammary glands themselves, but also on the nipples, around the nipple and near the nipple. Most often, the appearance of seals near the nipple area is a benign formation. Small seals white- consequences of the accumulation of excretory secretions. When the duct is blocked, the secretion accumulates in the glands. This problem is only aesthetic in nature. This is not dangerous to health and goes away on its own over time. Therefore, if a white bump appears on the nipple, small in size, without pain, there is no reason to worry.

Sometimes such a growth can be a symptom of malignant processes. The appearance of warts, or as they are also called papillomas, consequences general disease, called human papillomavirus. There is only one treatment for it - surgical removal.

When a lump appears in the mammary gland, of all the questions, only one remains: “what could it be?” Don't immediately think about breast cancer. The appearance of lumps in the breast can be caused entirely by natural processes in organism. In addition, they may turn out to be benign formations that do not cause harm to health. At the same time, it is worth monitoring your well-being more carefully and general condition. If these seals do not cause any discomfort or pain, there is nothing particularly to worry about. However, it will not be superfluous to visit a doctor and consult.

Pimples on the nipples, which are not accompanied by pain, cause aesthetic discomfort to many women. For this reason, this problem is quite relevant. This is one of frequently asked questions, which sounds in the gynecologist's office.

White bumps on nipples

In most cases, pimples near the nipples are Montgomery tubercles, in other words sebaceous glands on the areolas. They become especially noticeable during the period of bearing a child and breastfeeding the baby.

Each pimple produces a secretion, the meaning of which remains not fully understood.

There are several versions of what functionality these neoplasms carry:

1. Moistening the nipples with the secretion produced and preventing them from drying out.
2. Antibacterial properties.
3. The secretion produced by the body has a certain smell that is invisible to the sense of smell of an adult, but a newborn baby is able to detect it.

During one of the studies, doctors discovered the following pattern: the more such pimples on the chest, the better and faster the child develops. There have also been cases of breast milk being released from Montgomery's tubercles.

Causes of Montgomery tubercles

Pimples around the nipple on the breast in women can be slightly noticeable or quite pronounced. This factor is explained individual characteristics women, as well as their number. The average number of white bumps around one nipple is 12-15 pieces, but this figure can be either more or less. There is another theory on the basis of which assumptions are made about the amount of milk a new mother has. The more such pimples, the more milk.

Montgomery tubercles are always present in a woman, but become more pronounced during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Presumably this happens due to hormonal changes. After lactation ends, the tubercles again become almost invisible.

Based this symptom many women can assume pregnancy immediately after the fertilized egg is implanted.

The appearance of Montgomery tubercles along the edge of the papilla is considered normal physiological phenomenon which does not require treatment. It is strictly not recommended to squeeze out the contents of these pimples. Such actions can lead to injury to the nipple and infection of the wound. In addition, it is not uncommon for the tubercles on the nipples to become inflamed. The nipple area turns red and begins to hurt. In such a situation, you should definitely visit a gynecologist or mammologist. The decision to cope with the pathology on your own can lead to the development of serious complications.

Pathological neoplasms

Not all pimples on the chest along the contour of the areola are Montgomery tubercles. This area The breast is quite sensitive, so it is easy to damage. Pathogenic bacteria can easily penetrate into the resulting microcrack and trigger the development of inflammatory process and the formation of a boil. An additional factor in the formation of pimples on the nipples when they are injured is a weakened immune system.

During puberty, red pimples with a white or black head may appear on the chest in the nipple area. They are called acne. Acne is formed due to blockage of the sebaceous ducts due to intensive work sebaceous glands.

A lump that appears on the chest in the nipple area may be malignant or benign neoplasm(atheroma). When pressing on such a neoplasm, a woman experiences unpleasant painful sensation. Such symptoms should definitely be a reason to contact a specialist. Atheroma does not pose a particular threat, but it can transform into malignant form a tumor that is dangerous for the development of breast cancer.

Another widespread cause of the appearance of peculiar neoplasms on the nipples is eczema. Small growths that resemble warts appear on the chest. As a rule, nipple eczema has a neuro-allergic origin. Treatment of such pathological process should be handled by a dermatologist.

The appearance of a rash on the nipples or throughout the skin of the chest, which is accompanied by itching, often turns out to be an allergic reaction of the body.

Sources (allergens) can be the following reasons:

• synthetic underwear;
• washing powder;
• cosmetical tools;
• hygiene products;
• medications;
• food, etc.

In most cases, to eliminate allergic reaction, you need to get rid of its original source. But if a woman cannot determine the cause or the symptoms of the disease only get worse, she should definitely consult a doctor, dermatologist or allergist.

If a representative of the fair sex has any doubts about her health, it is recommended not to self-medicate, but to undergo diagnostics medical institution. This is the only way to maintain your health long years.

Video

From our video you will learn how atheroma can be treated.

The pimples on a woman’s nipples are rudimentary glands, the functions of which have not yet been studied. They often have a negative impact on the appearance of the breasts, and can also bring significant discomfort to the woman. How normal is this process and why does this happen? There can be a lot of reasons: from a standard change hormonal levels, before infectious disease. These are the ones that need to be examined in more detail.

What do the pimples around the nipple mean?

The tubercles in the area of ​​the areola of the juice are modified sebaceous glands. The tubercles in the nipple area secrete a secretion, but what it is intended for is not completely clear. One version is that this lubricant, which contains a lot of fat, serves to protect the areola from drying out. Another version says that these secretions from the glands have bactericidal properties. In many cases, it was noticed that during pregnancy milk came out from these tubercles on the nipples.

One of the most interesting versions is that it is believed that there is a direct dependence of the number of tubercles on the characteristics of baby food. After conducting a series of studies, it was possible to establish the presence in this liquid of substances that direct the baby’s sense of smell to them, such a kind of natural taste enhancer. On this moment carry out scientific work on the artificial synthesis of this substance for further use in teaching premature babies to breastfeed.

Why do bumps appear and when does this happen?

There are many reasons for the appearance of unattractive protrusions in the nipple area. Here are some that are considered the most common:

• presence of Montgomery tubercles;
• tubercles formed in response to changes in hormonal levels (most often occurs during puberty and during pregnancy);
• blockage of the sebaceous glands with secretions (acne);
• pathological diseases skin(eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis);
• allergic reactions.

Similar rashes occur in women of different age categories and in varying quantities. They can be single, several on the nipple, or they can be multiple, filling a large area of ​​the areola. They look like a point that protrudes slightly above the surface of the skin and surrounds the nipple.

It is common to see up to 15 pimples on one breast.

When pimples appear in the last stages of pregnancy, this indicates the imminent arrival of milk, and as is already known, there is an opinion that the more units surround the nipple area, the more milk the new mother will have.

The appearance of this phenomenon during pregnancy is due to hormonal changes in the body. expectant mother. These bulges are clearly expressed throughout the entire stage breastfeeding. However, when the moment of lactation passes, Montgomery succumbs to regression and passes without a trace.

The appearance or increase in the number of tubercles, in some cases, is the first examination of the onset of pregnancy. In some pregnant women, they become inflamed from the very first days after conception, becoming the primary source of successful fertilization of the egg.

If such pimples appear as a result of pregnancy, then women should not worry; their presence in this case is considered normal and does not cause any harm to health, and also does not require treatment. Some women try to squeeze out the contents of the bumps, but this manipulation is unsafe, since through open pores there is an increased likelihood of infection and subsequently harmless bumps will cause a lot of problems and lead to complications.

There are incidents in which an inflammatory process occurs in the tubercles, which is quite common. A mammologist or gynecologist can diagnose such a problem. During inflammation, the tubercles turn red and there is pain syndrome. At the first manifestations, a chamomile decoction will be useful; it can cope with the initial stage. But if symptoms do not disappear, you should consult a doctor. It is not advisable to expose your breasts to overheating or apply hot compresses; these are favorable conditions for the development of bacteria. If an inflammatory process occurs during breastfeeding, you should stop feeding for a while until a definitive diagnosis is made.

Abnormal causes

In addition to natural physiological reasons, exist and pathological abnormalities, as a result of which pimples appear on the nipples. There are several types of this pathology:

Treatment of pimples and bumps on the nipples

Of course, to initially solve the problem, a correct diagnosis must be made. A visit to a dermatologist or mammologist will help in this matter; if the inflammation coincides with the period of pregnancy, then a consultation with a gynecologist will be enough. Often a woman worries in vain about an ordinary mole that does not cause harm or discomfort. But there are also formations that do not require delay in treatment. Some manifestations are difficult to detect with the naked eye, and only a professional can handle this.

Montgomery's bumps are normal and do not require treatment. If there is inflammation, redness, pain and discharge of purulent contents, it is better not to delay the visit to the doctor. For such symptoms, physiotherapy, ointments with an antiseptic effect, and homeopathic remedies may be prescribed.

Treatment of eczema involves individual selection of the most effective methodology, since the causes of this pathology are purely personal for each patient. Whether it be chronic diseases of internal organs or mental disorders, it is necessary to conduct tests, based on the results of which therapy is selected.

Drug treatment may consist of antihistamines, sedatives and immunomodulating drugs, as well as ointments or creams for external use that relieve itching, inflammation and irritation.

Acne can be easily removed with basic personal hygiene and proper selection of cosmetics and linen. Shower gels can have a slightly drying effect, and underwear is made from natural fabrics that allow air to circulate without difficulty.

Along with drug treatment You should slightly adjust your usual routine. It is recommended to follow a diet. Include foods rich in vitamins in your diet, consume more vegetables, fruits, grains, replace steamed dishes with fried ones. And try to eat in same time. It is better to give up fatty, smoked, sugar and baked goods. And also stick to daily hygiene. It is good to use several times a week tar soap, and the result will not be long in coming.

Review

Small lumps in the breasts in women can be associated with menstruation and completely disappear after their end. In other cases, the detection of a lump or other changes in the breast should be a reason for mandatory consultation with a doctor.

Breast cancer is an extremely dangerous disease, but fortunately it is very rare. Much more often, in approximately 90% of cases, the cause of a lump in the breast is a non-cancerous tumor, many of which also require timely treatment.

There are several types of benign breast tumors, most of which are harmless and form under the influence of hormonal changes, for example, during the menstrual cycle. Such formations can be: fibroadenoma or cyst. Sometimes the cause of a lump in the breast is an infectious lesion of the mammary gland - mastitis or an abscess.

To notice any changes as early as possible, you need to monitor the condition of your breasts. You need to know what your breasts look like in normal condition and examine them regularly. People over the age of 50 should undergo a mammogram every three years - X-ray examination mammary gland. Used at younger ages ultrasound diagnostics. Both tests help identify signs of breast cancer, if any.

You should also consult a doctor if you notice the following changes in the mammary gland:

• discharge from the nipple, possibly with blood;
• change in breast size or shape;
• the appearance of dimples on the skin of the chest;
• rash on or around the nipple;
• change appearance the nipple, for example, becomes sunken;
• constant pain in the chest or armpits;
• the appearance of a lump or swelling in the armpit.

Don't be afraid if you are referred to additional examinations, this does not mean that the doctor suspects you have breast cancer. In most cases, it turns out that the lump is benign.

Lump (lump) in the chest: possible causes

In most cases, lumps in the mammary gland are benign in nature, that is, they are not associated with a malignant disease - cancer. As a rule, they are not dangerous and do not require treatment.

Fibrocystic mastopathy or fibroadenosis - common name groups benign formations in the mammary gland, which are accompanied by pain (mastodynia or mastalgia) and an increase in breast size. The most obvious symptoms fibrocystic mastopathy noticeable before or during menstruation. The intensity of fibroadenosis manifestations varies from barely noticeable to pronounced and painful. In some women, lumps form in only one mammary gland, in others - in both. With the end of your period, breast lumps usually disappear or become significantly smaller. It is believed that one of the causes of mastopathy is an improper reaction of breast tissue to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.

Fibroadenoma is a smooth, round, benign tumor of breast tissue that forms outside the milk ducts. To the touch, fibroadenoma looks like a pea or a lump in the chest, which is not fused with the surrounding tissues and is easily displaced. Most often fibroadenoma is single, less often multiple or found in both mammary glands. Usually it does not disappear after the end of the next menstruation and requires treatment, although in some cases it can go away on its own over time.

The reason for the appearance of fibroadenoma is not completely clear, but it is believed that its growth and development are associated with the atypical influence of the hormone estrogen. The tumor forms predominantly in young women, when the level of this hormone in the blood is highest or after menopause, but only in those women who use replacement hormones. hormone therapy, that is, estrogen is received in tablet form.

Cyst in the mammary gland is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the breast tissue and can cause a smooth, hard lump to appear in the breast. Most often found in women aged 30–60 years. Cysts can vary in size: very tiny or reaching several centimeters in diameter. There may be several cysts in one or both mammary glands.

These breast cysts often have no symptoms, although some women experience pain. It is believed that, as in the case of fibroadenomas, hormones are involved in the formation of cysts, since women most often suffer from this disease before menopause or those who are on hormone replacement therapy.

Breast abscess- accumulation of pus in the breast tissue, which is accompanied by high temperature and inflammatory changes in the skin over the affected area. The most common reason abscess - bacterial infection. Typically, bacteria enter the mammary gland through microcracks or wounds on the skin of the nipple, sometimes formed during breastfeeding.

Others benign causes lumps in the chest:

• mastitis- pain and inflammation of breast tissue;
• fat necrosis- a hard, uneven lump, often resulting from an injury or bruise to the chest, for example, after surgery on the mammary gland;
• lipoma- fatty formation in the form of a lump;
• intraductal papilloma- a wart-like growth inside the milk duct that can also cause nipple discharge.

Breast cancer- rare, but extremely dangerous reason a lump in one of the mammary glands, which can appear not only in women, but also in men. Possible signs indicating a malignant cause for a breast lump are the following:

• dense to the touch;
• does not move, is fused with surrounding tissues;
• does not decrease after the end of the next menstruation;
• the skin over the lump is deformed or when the mammary gland is displaced, a dimple appears in the skin;
• nipple discharge;
• increase lymph nodes armpit;
• appearance in older women after menopause.

Breast cancer can also have other symptoms. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, and most cases are diagnosed in women and men over 50 years of age. Predisposition to this disease may also be increased if it occurs in relatives.

Lump (tumor) in the breast: diagnosis

It is important to thoroughly study the appearance of your breasts and the sensations that arise when palpating them in a normal state, in order to immediately notice any unusual changes in them. Contact your gynecologist if you notice breast lumps or changes in breast appearance or shape.

For preliminary diagnosis, the doctor will need the following additional information:

• When did you first notice the lump?
• Are there other symptoms such as pain or discharge from the nipple?
• Do symptoms depend on the menstrual cycle?
• Have you ever had a chest injury?
• Do you have risk factors for breast cancer, such as do you have a close relative who has had the disease?
• What medications are you currently taking?
• Have you ever breastfed?

Having identified the symptoms, examined and palpated the mammary glands, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations to finally determine the diagnosis. In this case, do not worry prematurely. The examination is necessary to accurately investigate the nature of the formation in the breast and is included in the diagnostic standard.

Direction to additional research does not mean that the doctor suspects you have breast cancer. In most cases, tests and tests help rule out malignancy and prove that the lump is benign (non-cancerous). The most commonly prescribed examination methods are described below.

Mammography is a simple procedure in which an image is obtained using x-rays internal structure breasts This allows for early stage detect changes in breast tissue. During the procedure, the breast is placed on the plate of the X-ray machine and pressed on top by a second plate. An x-ray is then taken and the examination is repeated on the second breast.

A mammogram takes only a few minutes, but due to the pressure placed on the mammary glands by the machine's plates, it can be unpleasant and even slightly painful. After completing the study x-rays The radiologist carefully examines and describes the possible signs any breast diseases.

Mammography is usually prescribed after the age of 40. In younger women, this study is not so indicative, because the breasts are denser, small formations in them are less visible on photographs, which makes diagnosis difficult. As alternative research recommended for young patients ultrasonography mammary glands.

Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) based on the use of high frequency sound waves to create an image of the mammary glands from the inside. An ultrasound probe or sensor is placed on the chest and transmits an image to a monitor. It will clearly show any existing lumps or developmental abnormalities.

A breast ultrasound may be ordered after a mammogram to find out whether a lump found in the breast is a solid tumor or contains fluid. If the cause of a lump in the breast cannot be diagnosed using mammography or ultrasound, a breast biopsy may be prescribed.

Biopsy involves taking a tissue sample from the tumor for analysis. The sample is taken using a hollow needle that is inserted through the skin into the area being examined. The doctor will use images obtained during an ultrasound or x-ray to guide the needle into the correct location. When the needle is in the right place, the tissue sample is “sucked out.” As a rule, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia to avoid pain or discomfort.

Lump in the breast: should it be treated?

Often benign lump in the chest requires treatment only when it reaches large sizes or causes pain. Some types of breast lumps, such as fibroadenomas, breast cysts, and fat necrosis, may resolve over time without treatment. If treatment is not required, the doctor may ask you to come back for an examination after some time to monitor the size of the lump in the breast, as well as if any changes appear in the mammary glands. Below are described general principles treatment of benign breast lumps.

Drug therapy is prescribed if the lump causes pain or the cause of the disease is infection. The following medications may be recommended:

• painkillers such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
• tamoxifen, danazol, or bromocriptine are sometimes prescribed for chest pain;
• antibiotics to treat mastitis or breast abscesses caused by a bacterial infection.

For some women, all that is needed to relieve pain is to reduce their intake of saturated fat and wear a bra that fits properly.

Sometimes it is necessary to pump out fluid from a cyst in the mammary gland. This is called a puncture. After local anesthesia Under ultrasound control, a needle is inserted into the cyst and the contents are removed. A sample of the fluid may then be sent for analysis to confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes after the procedure the cyst fills with fluid again. If you have any complaints after the puncture, you should definitely consult a doctor. The fluid can be drained again, but if the cyst continues to fill, it may be removed surgically.

If a benign breast lump is very large or continues to grow, it can be removed with surgery. More often surgery required for fibroadenomas, cysts in the mammary gland, fat necrosis and intraductal papillomas. Surgical removal breast cancer surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The tumor can be cut out with a sharp surgical instrument or removed using a special suction. The obtained surgical material must be sent to the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis and exclude malignant neoplasm. You can usually go home on the day of surgery or a day later. As with any surgical intervention there is a risk side effects: hematoma formation, swelling or bleeding, as well as infectious complications.

If a lump in the breast turns out to be malignant, special methods treatment. You can read more about breast cancer treatment.

Which doctor should I contact if a lump appears in my chest?

Any formation in the breast that does not disappear after the end of the next menstruation or appears in a woman after menopause must be shown to a doctor. To do this you need to find a good gynecologist. Primary diagnosis breast diseases are also carried out by a doctor or nurse examination room. A more specialized specialist who treats benign and malignant diseases of the mammary glands is a mammologist. You should contact him in cases where you already know your diagnosis and need serious treatment.

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lump in the chest

Localization and translation prepared by Napopravku.ru. NHS Choices provided the original content for free. It is available from www.nhs.uk. NHS Choices has not reviewed, and takes no responsibility for, the localization or translation of its original content

Copyright notice: “Department of Health original content 2019”

All site materials have been checked by doctors. However, even the most reliable article does not allow us to take into account all the features of the disease in a particular person. Therefore, the information posted on our website cannot replace a visit to the doctor, but only complements it. The articles have been prepared for informational purposes and are advisory in nature.

The causes of white spots and rashes on the nipples are different: hormonal imbalances, breastfeeding, serious gynecological or dermatological diseases. Dots on the chest do not appear just like that, so with any changes it is better to immediately go to. There is no need to diagnose yourself at home, because self-diagnosis and self-medication are the enemies of women’s health.

What are white spots on nipples

White dots are conventionally divided into two types:

• Montgomery glands;
• pigmented areas.

Montgomery's tubercles are small glands located around the nipple. Function anatomical formations unknown. Some scientists believe that the tubercles secrete sebum, which moisturizes the areola and nipple, protecting them from dryness and cracks. And Professor Benoit Chaala suggests that the glands secrete substances that accustom the baby to the mother's breast, which is why white pimples appear during pregnancy and lactation.

Montgomery's tubercles may become clogged. A plug of sebum and dead epidermis closes the ducts and leads to the formation of whiteheads. Montgomery's glands are voluminous and look like small grains. Sometimes they are painful, and sometimes they do not cause any discomfort.

The pigment spots are flat, so they cannot be felt during palpation of the nipple and areola. White formations appear less frequently than brown ones. The cause of light spots is a lack of melanin, the pigment responsible for the dark color of eyes, hair and skin. Pigmented points are not related to the Montgomery tubercles. They appear due to malfunctions in the body, so they are often localized not on the nipples, but on the areolas.

Causes of whiteheads

Melanin production is suppressed in genetic, autoimmune and hormonal diseases. One common cause of white spots is acrofacial vitiligo. The pathology is rare, occurs in only 0.5–2% of people and is most often inherited.

Acrofacial vitiligo spots appear on the nipples, lips, skin around the mouth and fingertips. The dots have pronounced borders and a milky or white tint. Formations may periodically appear or disappear, grow and merge into one large spot.

Vitiligo can be provoked by internal and external factors:

• stressful situations;
• vitamin deficiencies;
• digestive problems;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and thyroid gland;
• prolonged exposure to the sun;
• deficiency of vitamins and microelements.

The second cause of white spots is partial albinism. The disease is no less rare than vitiligo and is inherited. With partial albinism, white spots on the nipples and areolas appear immediately after birth or in early age. They are not accompanied by other symptoms and cannot be treated.

Depigmentation of the nipples is observed when hormonal imbalances V female body. White spots may appear in adolescence and during menopause. During these periods, the levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone change in the female body. And while the body is being rebuilt, melanin production can either increase or be suppressed.

Teenage girls should not worry about white spots on their nipples unless they are bothered by other symptoms. After normalization of hormonal levels, the problem will disappear on its own. But women over 35–40 years old should consult a mammologist. If the spots are itchy, flaky and cause discomfort, this may be a symptom of Paget's disease (cancer of the nipple).

Causes of white pimples

Nipple rashes are the result of blocked sebaceous glands. Formations appear if a woman:

• suffers from increased sweating;
• wears synthetic or too tight underwear;
• does not comply with hygiene rules.

Clogged pores are similar to teenage acne. They can be white or red with grayish-greenish contents that come out when pressed. You should not squeeze pimples, so as not to introduce an infection into the sebaceous ducts and.

If the formations hurt or itch, they should be shown to a doctor. In the absence of other symptoms, it is enough to follow the rules of hygiene, wear underwear made from natural fabrics and wipe the nipples with a decoction of chamomile or calendula.

White pimples on the nipples may be Fordyce granules. The formations are also called seborrheic cysts. Milky or yellowish-white papules appear during puberty. Hormonal changes lead to changes in the composition of sebum. It becomes denser and thicker, so it clogs the sebaceous ducts.

Cysts are formed from fat and epithelial debris. They are small, up to 1–2 mm in diameter. Some women develop small, light spots instead of papules.

Fordyce granules, when pressed, release a thick secretion of white, grayish or milky color. Usually such papules are painless and harmless; they do not bother the woman, but they do not look very aesthetically pleasing.

In some patients, Fordyce granules may itch during menstruation. These are symptoms of Fox-Fordyce disease. Pathology occurs due to endocrine disorders in the body, but goes away on its own at 30–40 years of age.

White spots in early pregnancy

White spots in pregnant women are Montgomery tubercles. The glands are activated due to hormonal changes and become more visible. Doctors believe that the increase in tubercles is the result of the body preparing for lactation.

White dots may be one of the signs early pregnancy. The symptom does not appear in all women, but is not a deviation from the norm. If Montgomery's tubercles do not bother a woman, then her health is not in danger.

The glands can become inflamed early stages pregnancy due to decreased immunity and infection in the ducts. The bumps increase in size, become red and painful. With such symptoms, you need to contact a gynecologist and select antibacterial treatment. It is impossible to fight inflammation of the Montgomery tubercles at home, so as not to provoke complications.

White spots during breastfeeding

During lactation, the white spots that appeared during pregnancy may become more noticeable. This is normal and not dangerous to health. Montgomery's bumps will disappear on their own after you stop breastfeeding.

If the white formations do not resemble rashes, but rather flat spots, it may be thrush. Candidiasis is transmitted from child to mother during feeding. Candida fungus lives in oral cavity baby and gets on the nipples along with saliva.

White spots due to thrush peel off and spread not only to the nipples, but also to the areolas. The disease is accompanied by itching, discomfort and a whitish-milky coating, which is present both on the mother’s chest and in the child’s mouth.

If you suspect candidiasis, you need to visit a gynecologist or pediatrician, get tested and choose antifungal therapy. You cannot buy medications yourself, because the wrong medications can harm the child.

Painful white spots

Painful white spots are a sign of blocked milk ducts. Plugs form in the glands, which prevent colostrum from coming out. Breast milk stagnates, inflammation and redness of the nipples occurs.

Prolonged stagnation of colostrum leads to swelling of the mammary glands and increased temperature. These symptoms signal that a woman may experience mastitis or lactostasis, so it is better to consult a doctor.

Not all glands can be clogged, but only one milk duct. Dead epidermis enters the problematic gland and forms a bubble in which milk accumulates. A small formation forms on the nipple white pimple. When palpating and pressing on the papule, painful sensations, and some milk comes out.

In nulliparous women, white granules and dots may appear due to hormonal and oncological diseases. If the formation hurts, and the pain radiates to the nipple, chest or shoulder blade, you should immediately make an appointment with a mammologist or oncologist and undergo an examination.

Treatment of white spots

Treatment for white spots and rashes depends on the cause of the pathology and symptoms. Patients with strange formations should first consult with a gynecologist, and then select remedies and medications to eliminate the problem.

Depigmentation

Acrofacial vitiligo – chronic illness, from which it is impossible to get rid of, but the symptoms can be removed. Skin condition will improve complex treatment, which includes:

• drugs that normalize the functioning of the liver and gastrointestinal tract;
• vitamin complexes with zinc, ascorbic acid, copper and vitamin PP;
• immunomodulatory agents;
• massage;
• moderate sunbathing.

If you have vitiligo, you should not sunbathe topless or stay in the sun for a long time without a high SPF cream. You should also watch your diet and avoid stressful situations and control the level of male and female hormones

Fordyce granules

Seborrheic cysts are usually not treated. Patients are advised not to squeeze or injure the formations, so as not to cause infection, and to monitor hygiene.

Fox-Fordyce disease is treated surgically. Granules on the nipples are removed with a laser. The hardware method is the most gentle and effective. Before surgery, the nipples are treated with an anesthetic, so the procedure is quick and without discomfort. After laser removal papules do not leave scars on the skin, and the areolas acquire a normal color.

Fordyce granules are also treated with cryotherapy and electrocoagulation. Cryotherapy is the effect of liquid nitrogen on formations. Cysts are cauterized with a drug that stimulates renewal of the epidermis and improves the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

Electrocoagulation is the effect of electric current on Fordyce granules. The cysts are destroyed with an electric discharge, and then the contents of the formations are scraped out with special instruments.

Blockage of the sebaceous glands

Frequent rashes on the nipples and chest can be the result of poor diet. Too fatty foods disrupt intestinal function and slow down metabolic processes, which impairs the functioning of the sebaceous glands. And allergenic products cause intoxication of the body and a rash on the skin, including on the nipples.

Proper nutrition can correct the situation and reduce the number of rashes. For regular blockage of the sebaceous glands on the nipples, you need to:

1. Remove sweets, sausages, animal fats and preserves from your diet. Do not use soda, too hot spices and herbs.
2. Avoid citrus fruits, honey, nuts and other allergenic foods. You can experimentally find out what exactly the body does not like, and remove from the menu only dishes that provoke allergy attacks.
3. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and cereals. These products are sources of vitamins and fiber necessary for rapid metabolism and normal intestinal function.

Women with sensitive skin prone to allergies should also avoid aggressive shower gels and hard washcloths. It is better to replace regular perfumes with hypoallergenic ones.

Blocked milk ducts

Blocked milk ducts can be cleared in two ways. The first option is to place the baby on the problem breast so that his chin rests on the inflamed area. Lower jaw the baby presses on the duct, and the plug will come out along with the stagnant colostrum.

If the first method does not help, you need to apply a towel soaked in warm water to the nipple. Leave the compress for 2-3 minutes to soften the plug. Then the nipple should be lubricated with sterilized or heated butter using sterile cotton wool or a swab.

The last step is squeezing out the cork. The woman should cup her breast 2–3 cm above the blockage and apply gentle pressure. The plug will pop out and milk will flow out of the duct. If the method does not work, you can pierce the milk bubble with a needle. The instrument must be calcined over fire and wiped with alcohol.

For frequent blockages, taking Lecithin and a course of ultrasound therapy helps, but these methods can only be used after the approval of a gynecologist. And if none of the popular methods gives results, you should go through comprehensive examination and find out the cause of the pathology.