These spots should not be squeezed or popped as this can introduce infection. People should see a doctor if they are worried by the appearance of white spots on their nipples or they are not sure why they have appeared.
These swollen glands can be filled with a waxy substance, giving them the appearance of a spot or a pimple with a yellowish or white head. These are harmless. You should avoid squeezing, popping or trying to unclog Montgomery glands because this could lead to infection or skin injury.
These secretions also contain antibacterial properties that can protect your breasts and your baby from certain infections. Sometimes, Montgomery's tubercles become so enlarged that they look like fluid-filled pimples. You may be tempted to try to pop them, but don't: That can invite infection.
The Montgomery glands (also called areolar glands and Montgomery tubercles) make secretions that lubricate the nipples. They are a type of sebaceous gland (oil-producing gland). During pregnancy, the glands may become more numerous and prominent. Sometimes, they will become clogged and start to resemble a pimple.
Sometimes Montgomery glands can become blocked, swollen, or clogged. This can often be remedied with a salt bath. By soaking the area in warm, salty water (about one teaspoon of water per cup of water), for a few minutes, the swollen or blocked glands might improve.
It is normal to have small bumps on the flat, brown part of your breast called the areola. These bumps are called Montgomery glands. They secrete oil that helps to lubricate the areola. They become slightly larger and slightly red/pink when you are pregnant and breastfeeding.
Montgomery tubercles are small bumps around your nipples and are completely normal. They are most common during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as around puberty and throughout the menstrual cycle.
They could be Montgomery glands: If you're taking a peek and realizing those bumps on your nipples are actually sprinkled across your areolae, you're likely noticing your Montgomery glands. These little bumps are sebaceous glands, meaning they make oily secretions known as sebum, according to research.
Apply a Warm Compress Before Feeding
After gently patting your nipple dry, allow your baby to nurse. The warm water will soften and expand the skin and, as your baby begins sucking, the blister will usually open naturally and provide immediate relief.
“[Areolas] contain small, sensitive bumps called Montgomery's glands, which secrete a fluid that keeps the nipples lubricated,” explains Dr. Aliabadi. So bumps are kinda part of the anatomy. Note that these oil glands can also become blocked, which may make them look larger or similar to a pimple.
Just like with breasts, there's no one way that nipples are supposed to look. Both nipples and areolas (the circular skin around your nipple) come in different sizes and colors, from light pink to brownish black. The color of your nipples usually relates to your skin color.
The glands supply the skin with sebum and are visible primarily because of the very thin nature of the skin in these areas. Small amounts of white, pasty material can be expressed from areolar glands with digital manipulation, although the material reforms very quickly. On occasion, they can become slightly inflamed.
A milk bleb, or milk blister, occurs when your nipple pore gets blocked by a piece of skin or a small amount of hardened breast milk. It creates a blocked duct at your nipple, causing milk to back up behind it. It's common in people who are breastfeeding (chestfeeding).
On the areola there are some little raised bumps. These are quite normal and are called Montgomery glands. They produce fluid to moisturise the nipple. Your breasts change constantly throughout your life from puberty, through adolescence, the childbearing years, and then the menopause (change of life).
Nipple discharge can be normal in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB). It's always abnormal in men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Hormones, lactation or sexual arousal can be normal causes for nipple discharge. Abnormal causes could be from tumors, infection or rarely, breast cancer.
A subareolar abscess occurs when a gland or duct under your areola skin becomes blocked or clogged. When the duct is clogged and untreated, an infection can occur. Other less common causes of a subareolar abscess include diabetes, nipple piercings, and smoking.
It may be tempting to squeeze them, especially if they have yellow or white heads, but resist the urge. It can introduce bacteria that may lead to infection. You can wash Montgomery glands along with the rest of your nipple with soap and warm water, but avoid harsh cleansers.
Montgomery glands typically shrink and become less visible on their own soon after pregnancy, if you're not breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, they'll likely diminish once your journey is over. That said, Montgomery glands may not always revert to their pre-pregnancy state.
When does breast development begin and end? In general, breast development begins between the ages of 8 and 13. A girl's breasts are typically fully developed by age 17 or 18, however in some cases they can continue to grow into her early twenties.
“Generally, your natural lip shade is the same colour as your nipple. If you are using this method to search for a nude lipstick, it will give your the perfect nude lip for your skin tone.” Since the nipple/lip hack has made the TikTok rounds, there's been a reported spike in “nipple shade” lipsticks.
Only wash your breasts with water when you bath or shower. The little bumps (Montgomery glands) on your areolae produce an oil that moisturises and protects your nipples. Soaps and shower gels can strip this natural oil, causing dryness and irritation. Air-dry your nipples or dab them gently with a towel.