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.
If your nipples are newly inverted, you should see your doctor. They could be a sign of mastitis, mammary duct ectasia, or an abscess under your areola. If it happens suddenly to one or both nipples, nipple inversion could be a sign of breast cancer.
The skin texture of the nipple is normally smooth, whereas the areola can be bumpy and pimple-like. Montgomery glands, which are responsible for lubricating the nipple and areola during lactation, are the raised areas on the areola. They may look like bumpy, white dots.
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. Still, people can develop them for several reasons. Montgomery tubercles shouldn't hurt.
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.
"[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.
The Average Areola Size
Just like everyone's breasts are unique, so are their areolas. However, if we talk about an average, it's been found that the average areola diameter is about four centimeters. Basically, it's about three times bigger than the nipple.
Alexis Oakley, a celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Kris Jenner, Demi Lovato, and more, previously told POPSUGAR that yes, this fabled beauty theory is indeed a “fact.” “Generally, your natural lip shade is the same colour as your nipple.
The skin on your breasts should naturally be more or less flat and smooth. Again, consistency is key. Bumps and birthmarks that are always present are not a problem. A sudden change in the skin on your breasts should be reported to a doctor.
Nipple Shape
Some women may have two different types of nipples – for example, one inverted and one protruding. It's also possible to have a third nipple that may appear fully formed or like a small bump. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, all are normal and nothing to be concerned about.
Something you may not have known: Your nipples can clue you in to some serious health problems. If you notice sudden puckering or dimpling of the skin around or on your nipple—particularly if it occurs around just one nipple—call your doctor. This could be a warning sign of breast cancer.
Areolas can also change in size as you age, gain or lose weight, or experience hormonal changes during puberty, periods, pregnancy, or menopause. While most of these changes are normal and perfectly harmless, certain changes may warrant an examination by a healthcare provider.
The areola contains numerous lubricating glands, called “Montgomery glands.” These show up as areola bumps and are completely normal.
In most cases, sore nipples are caused by hormonal changes from pregnancy or menstruation, allergies or friction from clothing. In rare cases, it can be a sign of a serious disease like breast cancer. Your healthcare provider should evaluate any pain that's accompanied by discharge or lumps as soon as possible.
Though breasts undergo changes before a period, nipples rarely undergo any change. If the nipples get bigger, or the colored area (areola) around the nipple gets dark, it may suggest pregnancy. Any other unusual changes to the nipple must be checked by your doctor.
The main cause of darkened areolas and dark nipples are hormones. Progesterone and estrogen cause the body to produce more pigment. This is why many women see splotches and patches of darkened skin all over their bodies.
You might notice that your nipples change as well. It's common for nipples to become smaller, and the area around them, called the areola, almost vanishes. Lumps. Older breasts may be more prone to lumps or bumps.
Swollen Montgomery glands are not common and may be related to breastfeeding or pregnancy. The Montgomery glands should not be pushed or squeezed, as this can lead to irritation or infection.
Squeezing Montgomery glands
Although they look a bit like small pimples that could be popped, they're a normal part of your breast anatomy and should be left alone. Attempting to remove the tubercles by squeezing or picking might make them even more noticeable, or cause them to become infected.
Avoid popping: Even though these glands may look like pimples on your breast, they are not pimples. You shouldn't try to pop them. Do not treat with acne medication. Not only can acne medication dry out your areola, but many acne treatments are dangerous.
Montgomery tubercles, also known as Montgomery glands, are raised white bumps that look similar to goosebumps on the nipple and surrounding areola. They are named after William Fetherstone Montgomery, an Irish physician and obstetrician who first described them in 1837.