By Dominique Lambright
If Your Nipples Could Talk…
To put it another way, they would say this about your physique.
However, you are well aware that your nipples are responsible for more than simply feeding a newborn. Nipples may provide you with information about what is going on within your body, which is something you might not know.
Before we can get into what diseases you nipples can tell you, here is a list of essential facts you should know about your nipples.
Nipple Facts You Need To Know
Your Nipple Changes Over Time
If you have sudden dimpling or puckering of the skin around or on your nipple, particularly if it happens around only one nipple, this might be an early warning sign of breast cancer.
Tune into The Ask Dr. Renee Show with Dr. Ryland Gore to learn more about breast health
Now, here are some nipple changes you do need to concerned about:
Nipple retraction: You may feel like your breast skin is being pulled inward, and you may notice that your nipple is actually pulling inward too. This could be a sign of a cancerous lump. It may also cause redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.
Hairy Nipples Are Normal
Do you know that the little lumps that are located around the nipples are really hair follicles? It is possible to pluck, trim, or wax the black hairs that are sprouting on your nipples if you find that they are unattractive. But use caution. Also, you should see your physician if the follicles become painful, if they develop in size, or if they become itchy and scaly. Possibly, it is an indication of an infection.
Nipples Are Connected to Your Pubic Area
Yes, for real. Rutgers University researchers discovered that the feeling that is elicited by stimulation of the nipple goes to the same pleasure areas of the brain as the sensations that are elicited by stimulation of the vagina, clitoris, and cervix. Has your nipple been pierced? There is a possibility that you may lose feeling as a result of nerve injury.
Nipple Pain During Breastfeeding Is Normal
Nipples that are burning, cracking, throbbing, or painful are common problems that mothers have when nursing, particularly in the first few weeks of the process. If the discomfort persists, you should seek the advice of a breastfeeding professional since it is possible that your infant is not latching on correctly. Infections and engorged breasts are two more potential causes of nipple discomfort.
Your Nipples May Be Inverted
Connective tissue causes the nipple to retract inward, which results in around fifteen percent of women being born with inverted nipples. A very basic surgical operation may be performed in around one hour to fix it. In contrast, if your nipples that are pointing outward suddenly shift inside, you should make an appointment as soon as possible.
Diseases Your Nipples Are Trying to Tell You
Breast Cancer
Cancers of the breast may present as changes in the nipple. The skin may become itchy, scaled or red – similar in appearance to eczema. The structure of the nipple may also change, becoming inverted or turned inwards, and the skin puckered or dimpled. There may also be a new discharge from the nipple, either clear, or discoloured yellow, green or red by infection, or blood.
Any of these findings, and other significant symptoms like breast lumps, bumps or irregularities, should always be reported to a doctor as soon as they’re noticed. Regular examination of the breast tissue is essential, and be sure you always attend your mammogram screenings.
Blood Flow Issues
Nipple color naturally varies from person to person, ranging from pale pink to dark brown, and is often influenced by skin tone, hormones, and life stages like pregnancy or menopause. While most color changes are normal, sudden or unusual shifts—especially with symptoms like pain or discharge—may warrant a visit to your healthcare provider.
See a healthcare provider about nipple changes immediately if your nipple turns red or purple, which may signal a blood flow issue.
Paget’s Disease of the Nipple
Paget’s disease of the breast is a rare cancer of the nipple and areola (the darkened skin around the nipple) closely associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (a cancer of milk ducts).
Paget’s disease of the breast causes the skin on the nipple and the surrounding area to be red, sore, flaky, and scaly. Early on, these symptoms may come and go.
Symptoms usually worsen with time and may include:
- Itching or a burning sensation in the nipple and/or areola
- Flaking, crusty, or thickened skin on or around the nipple
- Pain and sensitivity
- Flattening of the nipple
- Yellow or bloody discharge from the nipple
- A lump in the affected area
Paget’s disease accounts for 1% to 4% of all breast cancers and mostly affects females during or after menopause. The disease can also affect younger females and, in rare cases, males. Treatments, including mastectomy, tend to be effective, with some people living normal life expectancies.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
It’s normal to have a few hairs on your areolas. More hair than that can be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance (when there are more androgen hormones than typical) that can cause infertility.9
See your doctor about areola hair if:
- You notice an increase in hair growth on your breasts.
- You notice areola hair growth along with other symptoms of PCOS, including weight gain, irregular periods, and acne.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that causes temporary discoloration and numbness in the fingers, toes, and sometimes other areas of the body due to reduced blood flow.
Causes:
Primary Raynaud’s Phenomenon (Idiopathic): Occurs without an underlying medical condition.
Secondary Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Caused by an underlying condition, such as scleroderma, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
Raynaud’s phenomenon can cause nipple vasoconstriction, resulting in episodes of pain, burning, and/or tingling.
Go see your doctor about nipple pain if you have:
- Persistent nipple tenderness
- Itchiness
- Pain without an apparent cause
