If a woman has pimples on her nipples, this can be a pretty serious problem. This phenomenon has its own classification according to the international disease code ICD-10. It refers to inflammatory pathologies of the mammary gland, which already indicates the severity of these neoplasms. In this regard, pimples on the nipples should be carefully studied immediately after the appearance, so that the patient receives timely and qualified treatment.
Causes of neoplasms on the nipples and areoles
If pimples appeared on the nipples or areoles covered with pimples or boils, then the causes must be sought in infectious diseases. Although there are a number of other predisposing factors for the occurrence of this phenomenon:
- Infection. It penetrates the nipple and under the skin of the areola through the milky pores of the nipple. First of all, the defeat of a virus such as Staphylococcus aureus or simply staphylococcus is considered.
- Dermatosis Skin disease caused by exposure to the skin of various tissues, personal hygiene products or cosmetic creams and ointments.
- Physical damage to the nipple. This occurs, as a rule, during breastfeeding. Or as a result of another physical effect on the nipple.
- Candidiasis. White pimples around the nipples can be the result of a fungal infection of the breast. The fungus Candida Albicans is present in all human organisms, but manifests itself only in a situation where the human immune system is significantly weakened.
- Herpes. White pimples on the nipples occur due to exacerbation of herpes, a disease caused by a virus considered to be incurable. This virus infects up to 98% of all people on the planet, but appears only with a significant weakening of the immune system. For example, as a result of a cold.
- The appearance of papillomas in the milk ducts. They sometimes look like pimples on the nipples of the chest, usually cylindrical, but sometimes conical in shape. Papillomas can be single or grow in conglomerations of several pieces.
- Disruption of the hormonal background. Any deviation of TSH, prolactin, or any other female hormone can lead to pimples on the nipple halo. Such failures are observed in adolescence or during pregnancy and lactation.
Causes of neoplasms on the nipples and areoles in men
In men, pimples on the nipples also occur due to hormonal imbalances, for example, against the background of an overdose of steroid drugs. In addition, herpes, human papillomavirus, candidiasis do not distinguish gender. So pimples on the nipples of a man can also be due to these diseases.
Most often, pimples affect men with weakened immunity, for example, with HIV infection or diabetes.
Symptoms of lesion
Pimples near the nipple in both men and women manifest themselves differently, depending on the pathologies that caused them and the individual characteristics of the body.
They can occur literally in a few hours, this is observed with breastfeeding, or appear only periodically under the influence of some influences - colds, hypothermia, an allergic reaction.
Along the way, additional manifestations may appear - the discharge of blood and pus, swelling of the tissues around the nipples, severe pain in the areola, and so on. Most often, pimples on the nipples are accompanied by burning and itching.
With an infectious etiology of acne, the patient's body temperature rises, cervical and axillary lymph nodes increase in volume, general weakness is observed.
Neoplasms occur both on one breast, and on both, regardless of the reasons that caused them.
What is the danger
Whatever the cause of pimples or other neoplasms on the nipple and areoles, you should immediately consult a doctor. After all, discharge from a damaged nipple can, for example, infect an infant with dangerous diseases during breastfeeding. The aesthetic aspect of the problem should also be considered. Pus and other secretions leave wet, unpleasant stains on clothing.
Neoplasms on the nipples during lactation
You need to understand that most often problems with nipples occur in women during pregnancy, and especially during breastfeeding. It is known that during this period, the nursing mother is especially exposed to various diseases, as her immune system is significantly weakened.
In this regard, she develops specific conditions - lactational mastitis caused by stagnation of milk, infection of the milk ducts, cracks and injuries of the nipple itself. During this period, a woman should especially carefully monitor her personal hygiene, nutrition, sleep patterns and her general condition. And why pimples on the nipples should be determined by her attending physician.
Diagnosis of the causes of acne on the nipples
Diagnosis of the causes of acne on the nipples in both men and women begins the same way - an anamnesis. The doctor interviews the patient in detail about the timing of the appearance of neoplasms, about the patient’s lifestyle, diet and the presence of chronic diseases.
An external examination of damaged skin surfaces, as well as palpation of the mammary glands themselves, is carried out. At this stage, the doctor can determine the presence of seals in the mammary ducts and glands.
After this, the patient is sent for laboratory tests of blood, scrapings from neoplasms and, if necessary, a biopsy of soft tissue samples.
To clarify the diagnosis, instrumental studies are used. For women, mammography and ductography are able to detect pathologies in the mammary gland and mammary ducts. Men are prescribed x-rays of the breast and ultrasound diagnostics.
The most informative diagnostic method is magnetic resonance imaging. In the course of such a study, it is possible to detect the smallest foci of cancer.
Treatment
The method of treatment for pimples and pimples on the nipples and areoles completely depends on the diagnostic results. All drugs are prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication is not only ineffective, but in some cases extremely dangerous.
If the neoplasms were the result of a bacterial disease, then the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics. This is usually Ampicillin, Gentamicin, Oxacillin, or Clindamycin. The dosage and dosage regimen is prescribed by the doctor. There are topical ointments with antibacterial action - “Clotrimazole” or “Levomekol”. It is important to thoroughly rinse it with ointment with a weak soda solution before treating the skin with ointment.
Ointment "Actovegin" or "Solcoseryl" well removes inflammation from the skin of the nipples and areoles. But these drugs are strictly contraindicated during lactation.
For women who are breastfeeding, there are separate, specific drugs, such as Dexpanthenol or Bepanten Plus Cream. Again, we must not forget about the individual intolerance to the components of the drug and use it with extreme caution.
Herpetic pimples on the nipples are treated with Acyclovir, Zovirax, or Bactroban. In addition, the patient undergoes treatment with vitamin and mineral complexes, designed to strengthen his immune system.
The fungus is treated with Nystatin, Miconazole, Mycostatin and Clotrimazole. For pregnant women, these drugs are contraindicated.
When undergoing treatment, special attention is paid to personal hygiene and wearing clothes that do not cause irritation and allergies.
Treatment of pimples on the nipples with traditional medicine
The appearance of pimples and cracks in the nipples, especially during lactation, is not a new problem. In this regard, traditional medicine has developed several methods of treating this condition. But one must understand that the effectiveness of such therapy will be significantly higher if applied together with traditional methods. You can not rely on traditional medicine and apply only it.
- Mother's milk has a healing effect - this is a fact. Therefore, it can be used by spreading the nipple before and after feeding. All you need to do is let the milk dry completely.
- Nipples can be massaged by pre-lubricating them with olive oil. Tea tree oil is also well suited for this. But this can only be done with the complete absence of traces of inflammation.
- Aloe juice has a healing effect on cracked nipples . But we must not forget to wash it off before feeding, otherwise the child may experience diarrhea.
- Compresses from a camomile chemist well remove inflammation. Brewed as a simple tea - 1 tbsp. spoon per 500 g of water.
Prevention of diseases causing pimples and acne on the nipples
To prevent diseases that cause pimples and pimples on the nipples, it is enough to follow just a few recommendations. This is much easier than treating a painful and unpleasant condition later.
First of all, this is personal hygiene. This is especially important during lactation. Before each feeding, the nipple is thoroughly washed with warm water and a neutral detergent. But in general, it is completely recommended to take a shower at least 2 times a day, especially in the hot period.
Linen should be made from natural fabrics, silk or cotton. Synthetics, wool and other materials not only rub the nipples, but also cause allergies.
In order to reduce the risk of contracting an infection such as herpes, human papillomavirus, HIV and others, unprotected, accidental sex should be avoided. Do not use other people's personal hygiene items - razors, towels, toothbrushes, or other people's utensils. To strengthen the immune system, it is recommended to exercise regularly.
Conclusion
It is impossible to treat inflammation on the nipples lightly. After all, there are cases when an emerging breast cancer is hidden behind this apparently harmless state. At the first symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.