The child has an inflamed papilla. Why does nipple redness occur in women? Causes of reddening of the nipples in women

After birth in the body, the crumbs begin to undergo complex adaptation processes. At this time, their hormonal background is actively changing, due to which a sexual crisis develops. This process is manifested by swelling of the mammary glands. Moreover, such changes can occur in both girls and boys. Sometimes this state of the body is still manifested by a rash, discoloration of the skin, and the appearance of spots.

After the baby leaves the womb, the level of estrogen in his body drops sharply, which gives an impetus to the start of hormonal changes. Therefore, swelling of children's mammary glands is a consequence of changes in hormonal levels.

Such changes are actively developing at first, and after 4 weeks they begin to disappear without special treatment.

Usually, a seal in the chest appears in 70 out of 100 babies. According to statistics, an increase in the area of the pectoral muscles occurs in most girls, as well as in 50% of boys.

Sexual crisis most often develops in term babies, and babies who were born ahead of time are often not affected by this phenomenon. Some doctors say that the absence of such symptoms is more of a pathology than the norm. Therefore, this process does not require treatment.

Symptoms of a genital crisis:

an increase in the chest area;
the appearance of mucous or bloody discharge from the vagina;
the presence of rashes in the face area.

Process features

Most often, the mammary glands increase evenly, but there are cases when unilateral swelling occurs. Increasing the diameter is the norm. chest by 3 centimeters, while there should be no rashes or irritations on the epidermis.

There are times when in children a grayish or whitish fluid may begin to flow out of the mammary gland.
Most often, the breast begins to grow on the second day after childbirth, and inflammation begins to decrease by the end of the first seven days of life. This symptom completely disappears after a month. The process that develops in this way does not require any treatment. It is forbidden to press on the enlarged areas of the body, try to squeeze out the discharge from them, you cannot make compresses. It is required to exclude the friction of the swollen parts on the clothes.
Pathology or norm
Mastitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the mammary glands. Usually, mastitis in infants develops due to unnecessary self-medication for breast augmentation in a baby, and it can also appear as a result of poor hygiene in prickly heat, weak immunity, the presence of an infection that has penetrated the nipples.
Symptoms of pathology:
there is a thickening of the breast instead of a decrease in its swelling during a sexual crisis;
this process begins in the 2-3rd week of life;
the appearance of one-sided purulent inflammation.

If pathological mastitis is not treated, intoxication may occur, entailing an enlargement and thickening of the gland, the appearance of painful sensations.

The development of intoxication in children is accompanied by:
an increase in temperature;
the presence of seizures;
lethargy;
restless behavior;
decreased appetite;
sleep disturbance;
disruptions in digestion;
redness of the epidermis;
pain;
the chest becomes hot;
sensation of fluid movement under the skin;
capriciousness.

The development of purulent mastitis in girls can lead to damage to part of the mammary gland, blockage of the ducts.

The appearance of these pathological complications in the future will negatively affect the lactation process. In the absence of medical procedures, breast thickening passes into a chronic stage, accompanied by the appearance of extensive purulent foci, which are localized on the outer part of the epidermis. Unfortunately, the treatment of such mastitis is carried out exclusively by surgery.
How to treat
If you notice that your baby has symptoms of pathological mastitis that accompany breast compaction, you should urgently go to see a surgeon. Only an experienced doctor can accurately diagnose pathology.
If the diagnosis is confirmed, the child is admitted to a hospital for treatment, where doctors take cultures of the discharge for examination and determine the sensitivity of the infection to the action of antibiotics. Based on the data received, the physician selects effective treatment.

Typically, treatments include the following:
if breast augmentation is not accompanied by the presence of pus, compression therapy is prescribed in combination with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Here pus should be distinguished from mucous, whitish discharge. Pus has a greenish or yellowish tint, often accompanied by a weak or bright unpleasant odor;
if breast compaction is accompanied by the presence of pus, opening of the foci and elimination of purulent discharge is required. At the same time, the tissues of the gland are preserved. The surgeon makes an incision near the nipple to the patient under anesthesia to remove the pus, and then prescribes an absorbable dressing. Antibiotic drugs and physical therapy are also required.

Further treatment is carried out strictly under the supervision of the attending physician.

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Redness of the nipples can be a signal that has a different etiology.

Inflammatory process, mechanical injury, allergic reaction, dermatitis, a symptom of lactostasis, as well as a sign of developing oncopathology - this is not a complete list of reasons for the reddening of the areola of the nipple. In any case, this is not the norm for the condition of the mammary glands; only a doctor can establish and eliminate the cause of the reddening of the nipples.

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ICD-10 code

N60-N64 Diseases of the breast

Causes of reddening of the nipples

The causes of reddening of the nipples are identified with the help of a timely visit to a doctor (mammologist, gynecologist, obstetrician, oncologist). The symptom itself - reddening of the nipples is not always the basis for determining the disease, therefore, a woman needs an examination, consultation and, possibly, some types of diagnostics associated with instrumental examination, analyzes. Among the causes of reddening of the areola of the nipple, the following are most common:

If a woman is breastfeeding, the most common causes are:
1. Mechanical injury to the nipple. This may be due to the incorrect position of the baby when feeding, malformed bite of the baby, or wearing uncomfortable underwear.
2. When breastfeeding, candidiasis is a common cause of reddening of the nipples, which develops simultaneously with the infection of the baby with a fungal infection.
3. Stagnation of breast milk in the ducts of the breast can also cause redness in the nipple area. Lactostasis is caused by a violation of the rhythm of the inflow and outflow of milk, redness is often caused by stagnation.
If a woman is not included in the category of parturient women, the cause of the reddening of the nipples, first of all, must be sought in the wrong bra. Mechanical friction provokes skin irritation and redness.
The causes of reddening of the nipples can have an allergic etiology. In turn, an allergic reaction is a response to such factors:
1. Synthetic underwear.
2. Linen, which is washed with synthetic fragrances, detergents.
3. Allergy to aerosol products from excessive sweating.
4. Irritation from poor quality body cream.
5. Food allergy (the areola of the nipple rarely reacts to a similar factor).
Impetigo scabiosa - impetigo or rash associated with staphylococcal infection. Impetigo in the nipple area is quite rare and most often this disease is preceded by dermatitis or even contact scabies.
Inflammation of the areola gland (Montgomery tubercles, glandulae areolares).
Psoriasis of the nipples. This is an autoimmune disease, allergic in nature, accompanied by burning, reddening of the areola and the nipple itself. Reddish patches are usually indistinct and may not cause discomfort (pain or itching) at the onset of the disease.
Herpes infection, most often it is HSV1 (herpes virus 1). Redness of the nipples quickly transforms into the formation of characteristic herpetic blisters.
Periareolar atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis.
Eczema cancer of the breast (breast). In 90-95%, Paget's disease is combined with another type of breast cancer. Most often, this disease is diagnosed in women of mature age, but in general, such a neoplastic pathology is quite rare - no more than 5% of all diagnosed breast cancers.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis, which would explain such a phenomenon as reddening of the nipples, is not possible to describe briefly. By itself, a symptom cannot be considered an unconditional indicator of one, specific disease. Therefore, we list the most serious nosologies, excluding mechanical injuries and physiological conditions, for example, associated with childbirth and subsequent feeding of the child.

Symptoms of reddening of the nipples

Symptoms of reddening of the nipples can be considered one of the signals of the disease, but most often it is associated with physiological changes in a woman's life, that is, either with pregnancy or with childbirth and the subsequent process of feeding the child. Oncopathology can also be manifested by reddening of the areola or the nipple itself, but this is extremely rare.

The most common symptoms are associated with the following conditions:

Inflammatory process in the Montgomery tubercles. These are specific glands that are considered vestigial. The bumps become visible during pregnancy and become inflamed, sore, and may turn red due to inflammation. At the same time, the skin in the areola zone becomes very sensitive, any irritation causes itching.
Eczema of the nipples (or eczema of the pigmented area of the nipples). The skin in this zone becomes inflamed, and the lesions of a characteristic red color, covered with a scaly crust, are visually noted. Symptoms of reddening of the nipples are accompanied by severe itching, burning. The development of the process leads to the appearance of cracks, weeping ulcers.
Herpetic infection. Symptoms of redness, blistering rashes, itching, pain, burning sensation can all affect the nipples and the areola. The rash is in the form of bubbles, accompanied by severe itching, hyperemia, and the general poor condition of the patient.
Dermatitis of the nipple areola. The process has clear boundaries, the redness of the nipples looks like a symmetrical circle. The skin is swollen, often eroded, exudation is observed, cracks are covered with a weeping crust.
Candidiasis or thrush of the nipples. This condition is characterized by general nervousness, the nursing mother gets tired quickly. Redness of the nipples can be considered the first signal of the development of the process, then a white bloom, cracks, weeping sores, itching and pain.
Mechanical irritation of the skin around the nipples. Redness symptoms are the result of wearing uncomfortable underwear that irritates delicate skin. The sensations are rarely painful, most often the redness is accompanied by mild itching.
Nipple cancer or Paget cancer. Symptoms of eczema-like cancer do not always appear early in the process. Therefore, any discomfort in the areola or the nipple itself should alert the woman and give a reason to see a doctor. Redness, less often itching, burning or pain is already an alarming sign. In most cases, the disease begins with small lumps in the mammary gland, they do not cause pain, do not cause discomfort. A hyperemic area near the nipple may look like eczema, and there is also an uncharacteristic discharge from the nipple. As a rule, Paget's cancer is diagnosed in women over 50-55 years of age during preventive examinations.

For any disturbing symptoms, including redness of the nipples, a woman needs to establish the cause as soon as possible with the help of a doctor's consultation and a complete breast examination.

Redness around the nipple

Redness around the nipple, not associated with a serious pathology, is most often the result of irritation during breastfeeding, and refers to physiological postpartum discomfort. However, one should not forget about the danger of other diseases that a mammologist, dermatologist or obstetrician-gynecologist can determine.

Let's list the reasons that can provoke redness around the nipple:

Eczema of the nipple. Redness is an initial stage that does not last long. The process develops rather quickly and is accompanied by the appearance of hyperemic skin foci. The patient feels severe itching, burning with any touch or mechanical impact on the breast skin. The characteristic signs of eczema, in addition to redness around the nipple, can be considered small rashes (papules), they often burst, releasing exudate. The skin in the area of eczematous lesions is edematous, cracks are covered with weeping crusts.
Mechanical damage in the form of cracked nipples. Redness as the first stage of the condition turns into bleeding cracks, which is inevitably accompanied by pain. Neglected forms of mechanical injury to the nipple are potentially dangerous and can lead to an inflammatory process, an increase in temperature. Most often, this phenomenon is characteristic of the postpartum period, when a woman feeds a baby without first preparing the mammary glands. Also, the reason may be the wrong position of the baby during feeding, the bite of the teeth of the growing child. Cracks are dangerous because any infection can get into small wounds and infect not only the mother's body, but also the baby. In addition, reddening of the nipples and further inflammation provoke damage to the subcutaneous tissue and capillaries. Infiltration of the inflammatory process inward is the risk of developing mastitis.
Thrush is also accompanied not only by itching and burning, but also by reddening of the nipples at the initial stage of the development of fungal skin lesions. Later, after hyperemia, the woman has a painful sensation, especially while feeding the baby. The nipple skin acquires a characteristic red color with a white coating, it is shiny and very irritated.
Redness around one nipple with an absolutely healthy and unchanged second is a serious symptom that speaks of the risk of cancer. Paget's cancer often does not show clinical signs at the initial stage, the pathology can be determined even when there is reddening of the nipple, irritation of the areola skin. Most often, this disease affects one breast, however, in the practice of doctors, there are also bilateral cases. A burning sensation around the nipple, serous discharge, a change in the shape of the nipple is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.

Redness near the nipple

Redness near the nipple is not necessarily a symptom of a serious illness. In most cases, this is irritation of the areola (area near the nipple). A mechanical cause (tight underwear), trauma (bruise, fall) and other "everyday" factors can provoke temporary reddening of the nipples. Also, redness is found in nursing mothers, if they have not prepared the mammary glands in time for the feeding process. However, hyperemia, redness near the nipples can be a cause for alarm, and this is due to the following reasons:

Redness near the nipple associated with bearing a baby. During this period, many systems of the woman's body change their mode of functioning. Pain sensations, changes in the color of the areola and nipple are considered quite acceptable, transient physiological phenomena. Usually the first symptoms of changes in the mammary gland occur 2-3 weeks after conception, due to hormonal changes, the general sensitivity increases, breast tissue, ducts begin to "prepare" for childbirth. Any friction (uncomfortable clothes, underwear), mechanical irritation (carefully performed hygiene procedures) can cause both hyperemia and pain.
Redness may form near the nipple, and then weeping, pink blisters with thrush. The areola looks like a continuous irritated spot, the nipples swell and hurt. Candidiasis is usually associated with a pre-existing fungal infection of the nursing mother (oral or vaginal candidiasis).
Redness near the nipple can be triggered by incorrect feeding technique, when the baby is applied to the breast in such a way that the nipple captures causes him to injure
Mastitis is also a trigger for redness around the nipple. This inflammatory process most often develops against a background of stagnation. breast milk(lactostasis). Signs of incipient mastitis - pain in all mammary glands, there may be redness near the nipple, increased body temperature.
Fibrocystic breast disease periodically manifests itself with signs similar to mastitis. Pain appears in the breast and in the nipple area, the areola changes color, sensitivity. This disease is diagnosed in women before their monthly cycle (that is, not in pregnant women). The mammary gland increases significantly in size, the nipples also change shape, the areola is slightly hyperemic.
Redness of the nipples and the skin around them may be evidence of the onset of a tumor process. Often, oncology in women does not manifest itself symptomatically, neither pain nor other signs, and may have only visual signs. Any discoloration of the skin near the nipple or deformation of the nipple itself should force a woman to immediately see a doctor for a thorough examination and identify the cause of the disease.

Pain and redness of the nipple

What can cause nipple pain and redness?

Puberty girls. At puberty, the hormonal system is rearranged in leaps and bounds, all organs associated with its functioning react to the slightest leap. Pain and redness of the nipple at this age can be considered a physiological norm if these signs are transient. Otherwise, the girl should consult a gynecologist.
The period of menopause, during which hormonal levels affect the organs associated with it.
Pregnancy. During the period of waiting for the birth of a baby, literally everything in the body of the expectant mother changes. Pain and redness of the nipple can be caused by increased sensitivity of the gland itself, rush of blood and an increase in the size of the ducts. The reason may be elevated level prolactin.
PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Hormonal cyclic transformations provoke a temporary enlargement of the mammary gland, the nipple, as its most sensitive part is the first to react to the readiness for regulation. Pain and redness in such cases are considered physiologically acceptable and disappear with the onset of the menstruation themselves.
The period of feeding the newborn. This is the time of the "work" of the mammary glands as a whole, if they were not prepared in advance, then painful sensations in the nipples, redness may be a consequence. In addition, during the nursing period, pain in the nipples may occur due to the appearance of a “milk bubble (blockage of the duct). In turn, the blockage carries the risk of developing lactostasis. Therefore, persistent pain, redness of the nipple cannot be ignored, you should consult with an obstetrician, gynecologist and correct feeding techniques (the technique of attaching the baby to the mammary gland).
Cystic mastopathy is a benign formation in the mammary gland. Seals in the form of cysts, painful sensations in the chest and in the nipples, their possible redness, discharge from them, uncharacteristic for the physiological state of a woman - all these are symptoms of mastopathy. Of course, the diagnosis must be made by the doctor after the examination.
Purulent mastitis as an acute inflammatory process can also cause pain and redness of the nipples.
Intraductal (intraductal) papilloma is a benign small tumor process that can develop in women not older than 50-55 years. The first symptom is considered to be any amount of purulent discharge from the nipple, but secondary signs may be pain at the site of papilloma growth, redness of the areola of the nipple and painful sensations in it.
An inflammatory process in the milk duct, not associated with pregnancy and childbirth - ectasia. Pain and redness in the nipple area is one of the clinical manifestations of inflammation.
BC (breast cancer). In order to prevent the development of the oncological process, any discomfort in the chest area must be monitored and immediately consulted a doctor. A painful symptom, redness of the nipple is not yet a diagnosis, but a possible sign of a developing pathological process.
Psoriasis - redness and pain can be the initial signs of a disease that is localized in the chest area.
Herpetic viral infection in the breast area most often affects the nipples. They develop rashes, specific characteristic bubbles, pain appears, the skin of the nipples acquires a bright red hue.

Redness at the nipple and induration

Redness at the nipple, induration can be caused by the accumulation of either lipid cells, or a sign of an incipient purulent process, but it can also be a signal that an oncological process is developing in the mammary gland. As a clinical manifestation, redness at the nipple in conjunction with the dense structure of the breast is the reason for an immediate visit to a doctor and undergoing a comprehensive examination.

We list some factors that can provoke redness in the nipple area and induration of it:

Atheroma or retention cyst of the sebaceous gland. The skin in the areola of the nipple is rich in glands, including sebaceous ones. In turn, the sebaceous glands constantly secrete a specific substance - sebaceous secretion. For various reasons, it is not completely removed from the gland and clogs the barely noticeable duct in the nipple area. The disease is not life threatening women, in the nipple area is quite rare, but atheroma is prone to inflammation, can fester and often recurs.
Another type of atheroma is galactocele, or stagnant process and subsequent blockage of the milk duct in women who are breastfeeding.
Cystadenopapilloma or intraductal papilloma. A small benign growth that looks like a cyst. Such papillomas can form in all sectors of the breast and parts of the nipple where there are ducts. Papillary cystadenoma can be single (solitary) or multiple. If it is not treated in a timely manner, papilloma can provoke an intraductal oncological process. Therefore, thickening and redness at the nipple is a signal to start examination and treatment.
Fibrocystic breast disease can also cause pain, redness at the nipple. The disease is characterized by the fact that a woman begins to examine (palpate) the breast on her own and discovers a seal in one of the sectors, possibly closer to the nipple. These manifestations require medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.
Nipple thickening and redness is quite common in women who are breastfeeding. This condition is considered transient and associated with incorrect feeding technique, as well as with natural hormonal changes in the body.
Pregnancy can be a factor that provokes redness, enlargement of the mammary glands and the nipples themselves. The nipples may become denser, more sensitive. These are acceptable symptoms of a general restructuring of the systems of the expectant mother.
Mastitis. In addition to a hyperemic nipple, painful sensations and a clearly palpable seal, mastitis can be accompanied by high temperature body, headache and general malaise. Treatment consists in neutralizing stagnant processes in the lymphatic system and in the mammary gland as a whole.

Itching and redness of the nipples

Itching, redness of the nipples is an uncomfortable and disturbing condition for women. If the reddening of the nipple is accompanied by burning, itching, then we can safely speak at least about the reaction of specific neurons of the ANS (autonomic nervous system) to an irritating factor. The specific cause of itching and redness of the nipples is determined by the doctor - mammologist, gynecologist or dermatologist.

If the symptoms are transient and disappear with a simple change of synthetic underwear, clothes for cotton, comfortable products, then the itching was most likely caused by excessive dryness of the delicate skin of the nipple and irritation.

In addition, itching, burning, and redness of the nipples may indicate dermatitis. Dermatitis, in turn, is divided into several types:

Neurodermatitis, allergic dermatitis.
Simple dermatitis (artifical) - develops only at the site of contact with an irritant.

Distinguishing between these skin diseases is quite simple, especially in the initial stage.

Contact (simple) dermatitis is characterized by a clear localization of symptoms, that is, itching, redness of the nipples will be only at the point of contact with the irritant. If such dermatitis is not treated in a timely manner, cracks may form on the nipples and an inflammatory, often purulent process may develop.
An allergic reaction on the skin of the nipples is characterized by a brighter, redder color. Specific vesicles (vesicles) appear on the skin of the nipple, which, when opened, are very itchy.

Also, redness and itching can be symptoms of developing nipple eczema.

How to identify signs of eczema?

Redness, erythema, itching.
The formation of small papules (specific nodules) and scales on the skin of the nipple.
Papules transform into fluid bubbles (vesicles).
The fluid in the vesicles becomes purulent, the vesicles pass into the pustular stage.
Bubbles become wet, redness increases, the skin of the nipple becomes inflamed and crusted.
The process of a kind of restoration of the skin with eczema is characterized by the formation of scales, keratinized elements.

Atypical coloration of the nipples, itching can be caused by the following reasons:

fungal skin lesions, most often this happens when breastfeeding in the presence of Candida albicans in the oral cavity of an infant.
expansion of the ducts of the mammary gland (mammary gland), when, in addition to hyperemia in the areola, a woman notes discharge, swelling and deformation of the nipple.

It should be noted that redness and itching of the nipples is one of the signs of an oncological process - nipple cancer (Paget's cancer), therefore, when the first disturbing symptoms appear, a woman needs to exclude such a serious, life-threatening disease.

Redness of the areola of the nipple

Redness of the areola of the nipple can be a normal, physiological phenomenon, provided that hormonal changes occur in the woman's body - pregnancy, menopause. The areola is the skin that surrounds the nipple and can range in color from red to dark brown. Pigmentation is the "work" of melanin, which in turn also consists of several components - pheomelanin and zumelin, their ratio and affects the shade of the areola of the nipple.

The color of the areola of the nipple depends on many factors:

Genetic factor.
The age of the woman.
Nationality.
Taking certain medications (tetracycline or salicylates).
The onset of menstruation.
Pregnancy.
Puberty.
Climax.
Dermatological diseases.
Viral, bacterial infections.
Oncopathology.

Let's take a closer look at the most common causes that cause redness of the nipple areola:

Pregnancy and discoloration of the nipple itself, including the areola, is the most common cause. Areola redness can be caused by the intense production of melanocytes, which are also interconnected with the hormonal system.
Elementary skin irritation around the nipple. The reason is improper attachment of the baby to the breast during feeding and injury to the delicate skin of the areola.
Using an incorrectly selected breast pump while feeding a newborn baby.
Often, the reddening of the areola of the nipple is caused by a rather joyful event in the life of the mother and baby, associated with the teething of the first teeth. The inevitable irritation of the nipples and the skin around them is a kind of "payment" for the growing up of the baby. Fortunately, this period does not last long, and the baby grows up, and the nursing mother, as a rule, quickly adapts to new technology feeding
Intoxication of the whole body, usually medication. If a woman suffers from any chronic disease and takes a course of drugs from the tetracycline group for a long time, one of the side effects of the drugs may be reddening of the nipple areola as an allergic reaction.
Candidiasis while feeding a newborn baby. Symptoms of candidal infection are typical - redness of the nipple, surrounding tissues, cracks, itching. You should also pay attention to the baby's oral cavity, as a rule, candidiasis is found in both the mother and the child.
Eczema is a rather rare disease in the area of the mammary glands. However, advanced cases can give similar symptoms, when eczematous inflammation affects both the nipple and the areola.
Herpes. A viral infection often manifests itself in the nipple area, but the areola can also be subject to a pathological process and change its color.
Atopic dermatitis in combination with dry skin of the nipple and areola is characterized by typical redness, itching and the appearance of microcracks on the nipple.
Cancer of the breast (breast). Redness of the nipple, its areola is very similar to the signs of eczema or psoriasis. The early symptoms of cancer are not too pronounced externally, so it is dangerous. Therefore, for any atypical manifestations on the chest, in the area of the nipples, areoles, a woman should consult a doctor as soon as possible in order to exclude oncology or start treating it at an early stage. Paget's cancer can manifest itself in three forms:
- Discoloration and dermatological symptoms in the nipple-areola zone.
- Redness of the areola of the nipple in combination with a change in shape.
- Cancer process in the breast itself without clinical manifestations in the area of the nipple and areola. Redness, burning in the nipple and surrounding tissues is usually a sign of a running process.

It should also be noted that Paget's cancer almost never affects both breasts. If redness of the areola, itching, pain is observed only on one breast, it is necessary to immediately be examined and start treatment.

Redness of the nipples during pregnancy

During pregnancy, reddening of the nipples is considered a normal change associated with the restructuring of the whole body and the hormonal system in particular.

Most often, it is not the nipple itself that changes in color, but its areola, which becomes darker, sometimes almost brown in color. Redness of the nipples and areola is explained by an increase in the production of a specific protective pigment - melanin. In turn, the production of that pigment is needed to prepare the mammary glands for the lactation process, for feeding. The degree of color change, timing depends on the trimester of pregnancy, more often it occurs in the middle of the period. Closer to childbirth, as the mammary glands increase and the physiologically explicable stretching of the equine cover, the nipple and areola acquire a normal, previous color. Redness of the nipples can also "bypass" a pregnant woman, as well as pigmentation of the skin in other parts of the body (chloasma), it all depends on the genetic predisposition and other individual characteristics.

What exactly happens to the mammary gland during pregnancy?

Strengthening the brightness of the color of the nipple and its areola.
A so-called secondary areola may appear, containing the Montgomery glands (tubercles that disappear over time after childbirth).

What symptoms can accompany redness of the nipples during pregnancy?

Slight painful sensations associated with an increase in both the breast and the nipple.
Often, the skin of the nipples itches and itches, this is caused by the growth, enlargement of the mammary gland and stretching of the delicate skin.
Changing the size and shape of the nipples.
The nipple skin may become drier and more prone to cracking. This condition needs to be treated with harmless, neutral moisturizers and ointments.
The areola of the nipple may be slightly darker than the nipple itself.
The nipple skin becomes more sensitive and reacts to any irritation factor. However, it is during this period that a woman needs to prepare her breasts and nipples for the period of feeding the baby, so you should not be afraid of an aggravation of sensations. On the contrary, the mammary glands should be "trained" by following the procedures recommended by the doctor.

What are the symptoms of the expectant mother should see a doctor immediately?

If the redness of the nipples during pregnancy is accompanied by persistent severe pain.
If the local temperature of the skin changes upward (the skin becomes hot, dry).
If the redness of the nipples is accompanied by uncharacteristic discharge from them.
If pain in the nipple area is localized only on one breast.
When the redness of the nipple is accompanied by the appearance of bubbles, papules.

In general, redness, enlargement of the nipples can be one of the first signs of conception, which is not only normal, but for many women, and a reason for joy in connection with the expectation of the birth of a baby.

Reddening of the nipples when feeding

When feeding, reddening of the nipples is considered quite common. In most cases, this is due to improper breast preparation during pregnancy, with the individual characteristics of the skin of the mammary glands, as well as with non-compliance with the feeding technique.

Let's look at how the process of feeding a baby works to better understand how to avoid reddening of the nipples when feeding.

Breast milk production is a process of active production of specific secretory fluid. In order to have enough milk, the mammary gland increases during pregnancy, and its blood supply increases. The skin of the nipple is characterized by the presence of smooth fibers, which are also supplied with blood flow, so the nipple is able to secrete not only breast milk after childbirth, but also various types of secretory fluid outside of pregnancy or the period of breastfeeding. At the feeding stage, the nipple is subjected to additional stress, it becomes denser, thickens, in connection with these changes, its color also changes. Such phenomena are considered permissible if the skin of the nipple remains elastic, does not crack and, in principle, does not cause discomfort to the woman.

In addition, the changes in women who give birth for the first time, and in those who are in the category of multiparous, differ both in appearance and in the activity of manifestations.

The first birth - the growth of milk ducts, a change in the shape of the breast of the nipple, local pigmentation develops more actively, but at the end of the feeding period it also quickly recovers, returning to almost the original parameters.
Repeated childbirth - changes in the breast and nipples induced by the pregnancy period proceed slowly, and after the end of feeding, they partially remain.
The third and subsequent births are characterized by the fact that reddening of the nipples, enlargement of the mammary glands, pigmentation can remain unchanged for quite a long time (in some women, the changes are persistent).

Reddening of the nipples during feeding can be provoked by other factors:

Abrasions, cracks are inevitably accompanied by reddening of the nipples when feeding. The reason may be anomalies in the shape of the nipple itself (flat), dry skin, incorrect technique of attaching the baby to the mammary gland. Cracks heal quite quickly with proper treatment, neglected conditions can lead to infection, inflammation.
Lactostasis. This is not a pathology, not a disease, but a stagnant process, a blockage of the duct. The causes of lactostasis can be different, but the symptoms are typical - pain, a feeling of heaviness in the mammary gland, an increase in body temperature, there may be redness of the nipples, local seals are found on palpation. The state of milk stagnation can lead to an inflammatory process, up to mastitis. Therefore, for any signs of lactostasis that appear, a nursing mother needs to self-massage the breast, and even better - consult a doctor.
Redness of the nipples during feeding, combined with changes in the areola, breast swelling, pain, may indicate mastitis or mastopathy. With mastopathy, reddening of the nipples can be combined with their slight retraction, but without obvious changes in shape.
Allergic reaction with a history of allergies in a nursing mother. Redness of the nipples when feeding with allergies is a reason to see a doctor, a temporary refusal to feed and adequate treatment, taking into account that the need to feed a baby should come first (taking antihistamines is undesirable, a woman's diet should be reviewed, and a trigger should be found and eliminated reactions).
If a woman uses a low-quality breast pump, the redness of the nipple and areola can also be explained by this factor.
Candidiasis, which is characterized by redness in the nipple area, pain, itching and inflammation of the areola. Thrush, as a rule, affects the child, often it is the candidiasis of the baby's oral cavity that causes the reddening of the nipples in the mother.
It is extremely rare that the reddening of the nipples and areola during the feeding period may indicate Paget's cancer. This disease is quite rare among breast diseases in pregnant and lactating women.

Complications and consequences

The consequences of reddening of the nipples depend on the cause and severity of the condition.

If the redness of the nipples is associated with physiological changes - pregnancy, climacteric, feeding the baby with breast milk, the consequences do not bother the woman because they are practically nonexistent. The red tint of the nipples and areola, as a rule, disappears, giving way to the usual color of the skin.

An exception may be the second or third pregnancy, when the hormonal background is habitually transformed and the production of pigment (melanin) is fixed.

However, untimely diagnosed and not receiving adequate treatment, symptoms can threaten with serious diseases, including cancer.

Let's list some of the most dangerous consequences for a woman's health:

Melanoma of the nipple, the symptoms of which are very similar to common dermatitis. This, in addition to redness of the nipples, may be itching, irritation of the areola skin, peeling. Often, a woman begins to treat her nipples, believing that she will neutralize a transient allergic reaction. The result can indeed be achieved, the symptoms subside for only a few days, but then return and worsen. Relapses of reddening of the nipples, peeling of the skin become more frequent, there is pain, burning sensations in the nipple and atypical discharge from it. The diagnosis of the oncological process is refuted or confirmed by a biopsy. The consequence of an untimely detected disease can be deplorable, therefore, for any disturbing signs that appear in the breast area, a woman should consult a doctor and immediately begin treatment.
Nipple cancer or Paget cancer. In the advanced stage, the areola changes color, the skin becomes dark red, peels off, becomes covered with a characteristic crust. Nipple cancer most often affects one breast, this is its specific symptom. Therefore, if a woman notes reddening of the nipple on only one mammary gland, an appeal to a mammologist, an oncologist should be immediate. A timely diagnosed disease, started therapy significantly increases the chances of recovery and reduces the risk of negative consequences.
Mastopathy. Its consequences are the return of symptoms, that is, relapses, as well as the risk of developing breast cancer. The severity of the consequences is directly related to the etiology of the disease. If the cause of mastopathy is hormonal disruptions in combination with thyroid dysfunction, then the treatment should be comprehensive. Without the use of specific drugs to normalize the thyroid gland, relapses are almost inevitable. If mastopathy develops in the form of nodes, there is a high risk of the disease developing into an oncological process. It is believed that reddening of the nipples is not the main symptom of mastopathy, but it can be a signal that the pathology is entering a critical stage. It is possible to prevent serious consequences only with the help of a regular examination of the breast by a mammologist and timely initiated adequate treatment.
Eczema, nipple neurodermatitis. Its consequences often bring psychological discomfort, since the color, sometimes the shape and appearance nipple, areola. For a woman, this not entirely aesthetic sight can be a reason for a low mood, up to a depressive one. In such cases, it is necessary to reduce the level of anxiety by informing about the consequences of nipple eczema. In fact, with complex treatment, following all medical recommendations, the skin is restored rather quickly, the redness of the nipples passes. If neurodermatitis continues for a long time in a severe form, recurs, it is possible to correct the appearance of the nipple and areola after treatment with the help of cosmetic procedures or plastic surgery. The consequences of nipple eczema do not look very beautiful, but they are not life-threatening and can be corrected.

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Complications

Complications with reddening of the nipples are, as a rule, an advanced form of cancer. All other types of complications are not threatening, although they can cause quite unpleasant sensations, discomfort and visually do not look aesthetically pleasing. If the reddening of the nipples is started to heal on time, take proper care of the skin, follow all the doctor's recommendations and observe personal hygiene, complications can be corrected, and difficult cases are corrected with the help of cosmetic procedures or minimally invasive operations.

What can provoke complications: and what they can be:

Thrush. A complication can be considered the interruption of feeding the baby, as well as rather deep erosive damage to the skin of the nipples, of course, if the disease is diagnosed late and is not treated adequately.
The milk ducts can become blocked if redness of the nipples is a symptom of mastitis. A change in feeding regimen can help reduce the severity of the complication; it must be agreed with the attending physician. Blockage is not considered a formidable consequence, but leads to rejection of breastfeeding, and this, in turn, is undesirable for the baby (everyone knows that breast milk is the best way to strengthen the immune and other systems of a newborn baby).
Cracked nipple skin is also fraught with complications. An infection that penetrates the wound surface causes an inflammatory process in the nipple. Inflammation is potentially dangerous in itself and carries the risk of inflammation of the entire breast (mastitis). In addition, Candida enters the nipple through cracks, so there is a "field" for the development of thrush, which is treated in a complex way - therapy is indicated for both the mother and the child.
Mastitis, in which nipple redness is possible, should be considered separately. Complications of mastitis - an infiltration form of the disease, purulent mastitis is also possible. All such complications are dangerous with inflammation of the lymph nodes, extreme forms of complications are phlegmon or a gangrenous process.
If the redness of the nipples does not respond to treatment, or the woman does not pay attention to the symptom and triggers the condition of the breast skin to an extreme degree, infection is possible, up to an abscess. Complications associated with suppuration are fraught with surgical intervention and an appropriate recovery period after it.
Sepsis. This complication is extremely rare, but it should be mentioned. Septic intoxication of the body is a consequence of an extremely neglected infectious process
Cancer Pagett. Oncological process.

Diagnostics of the redness of the nipples

Diagnosis of nipple redness begins with a woman's visit to a doctor. Next comes the standard procedure that any professional doctor performs:

Interviewing the patient, collecting anamnesis. Redness of the nipples is a sign that cannot be considered the only clinical manifestation of one disease. A gynecologist or mammologist may ask when the redness of the nipple or areola first appeared, what uncomfortable sensations accompany this symptom, under what circumstances did the redness of the nipples occur.
Inspection (palpation) of the mammary gland. In this way, the doctor checks the breast for the presence or absence of tumor processes, seals and other signs of serious pathology. Palpation is not the only examination method, therefore, having identified an alarming symptom, the doctor may prescribe additional diagnostic procedures.
Ultrasound of the mammary glands to clarify the localization of the seal, its shape and stage of development.
According to the indications, a biopsy can be prescribed, it is necessary if you suspect Paget's cancer. Atypical cells can be detected in the skin material, and the secreted fluid from the nipple is also taken for examination under a microscope.
If the redness of the nipples is provoked by an inflammatory process, a woman may be prescribed blood tests, urine tests in order to identify the causative agent of inflammation.
It is rather difficult to diagnose reddening of the nipples with suspected eczema. The process often develops quickly, and the woman does not immediately go to the doctor, trying to cure the problem on her own. Getting an appointment with a gynecologist, the patient demonstrates the nipples in such a way that the inflammation can be considered polymorphic, that is, the symptoms indicate several possible reasons... To concretize the diagnosis, a blood test or skin test for allergens is prescribed to rule out an allergic reaction.

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Analyzes

Tests for redness of the nipples are usually not required. Most often, it is enough for the doctor to collect anamnesis (information about the onset of a symptom), examination and observation of treatment over time. However, there are reasons that provoke redness. irritation of the skin of the nipples, which need clarification.

What tests can be prescribed:

Blood test for hormones. Often, changes in the hormonal background provoke pathological processes in the mammary glands and, as one of the symptoms of the disease, redness of the nipples
A blood test to determine the causative agent of the inflammatory process.
A blood test to specify the causative agent of a bacterial infection.
Allergic reactions that cause redness of the skin of the breasts, nipples or areola require a specific allergen determination. Allergy tests can be prescribed to a woman - both with the help of a study of the skin and blood.
If a nursing mother notices in her baby and herself signs of thrush, which is characterized by specific symptoms, including redness of the nipples, the doctor may prescribe an analysis to determine the type of candidal infection.
In case of herpes rash, it is recommended to donate blood for examination and identification of the type of herpes.
If an oncological process is suspected, the patient is assigned tests for tumor markers.
With intraductal papilloma, both hardware diagnostics (ultrasound, mammography) and analyzes (enzyme immunoassay, general analysis blood, analysis to concretize metabolic disorders).

Also, in case of redness of the nipples, the list of comprehensive examinations includes standard tests - CBC (general blood count), biochemical analysis, analysis for the determination of baked samples and other clinical blood tests.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics for reddening of the nipples is prescribed as a way to concretize the diagnosis. Redness of the nipples can be a sign of many diseases, therefore, in addition to examination and analytical blood tests, the doctor needs additional information and information.

What types of instrumental diagnostics are used to diagnose a symptom - redness of the nipples?

Ultrasound of the mammary glands to identify or exclude hidden tumor processes, as well as to clarify the localization, shape, size of seals (cysts, neoplasms).
Mammography is a specific instrumental method designed to study exclusively the mammary glands.
MRI - magnetic resonance imaging for visual clarification of changes in the shape and size of the nipples, as well as for specifying the type, type of tumor.
Echography to visualize the condition of the milk ducts and vascular system, which provides nutrition to the tissues of the mammary glands.
Biopsy. Analysis of tissue material of the mammary gland or nipple to identify atypical (cancer) cells, their type, number. Biopsy as a method of instrumental diagnostics allows differentiating the tumor process and prescribing adequate, effective treatment.

Instrumental diagnostics for redness of the nipples is needed to exclude or confirm Paget's cancer. Timely detection of oncological pathology significantly increases the chances of recovery in general, and also affects the patient's quality of life, even in the most severe stages of breast cancer.

Accurate diagnosis allows you to differentiate the type, severity of the disease, the risk of developing and spreading the process to nearby areas of the breast, lymph nodes and organs. Mammography, MRI, ultrasound, immunohistochemical scrapings (cytology) - this is not a complete list instrumental methods helping the doctor make an accurate diagnosis and start treatment.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis for redness of the nipples is necessary to specify the cause of the symptom and the appointment of effective treatment. This is especially important if a mammologist or gynecologist suspects the development of an oncological process in the mammary gland. Cancer Pagett has a characteristic feature - changes in the shape, color of the nipple. The sooner the correct diagnosis is made for such a pathology, the more successful the complex therapy is and the more chances of its positive result.

How is the differential diagnosis for Paget's cancer?

Collection of information and the beginning of the development of symptoms, the circumstances of its appearance, about general condition health, including the presence of chronic diseases.
Examination of the mammary glands, palpation.
Breast ultrasound examination.
Mammographic examination.
The study of tissue material (skin of the nipple, the adjacent area - areola) is a histological or cytological analysis. Cytology involves taking tissue or discharge from the nipple and examining the print using special glass. The analysis technique is quite simple in contrast to further actions and interpretation of the result. The glass is applied to the affected area of the nipple skin, the resulting print is stained and examined by a microscopic method. Histology differs from the cytomethod in that tissue material is obtained using a special needle. Local anesthesia is performed, tissue is taken with a needle and then examined using a microscope. Diagnostic material can be obtained both directly from the tissue of the nipple, areola, and from nearby lymph nodes, if the disease is started and develops for a long time.
Immunological tests are needed to detect oncoprotein compounds and cytokeratin. This allows you to confirm or completely exclude breast cancer, as well as to clarify the stage of development of Paget's cancer.

If the doctor, on examination, in addition to reddening of the nipples, finds clinical signs of neurodermatitis, eczema or psoriasis, differential diagnosis may include tissue examination for the detection of infectious pathogens. Such actions are needed to clarify the diagnosis and prevention of a secondary inflammatory process in the mammary gland. In addition, redness, irritation, itching in the nipple area can be a signal of both allergies, retention hyperkeratosis of the nipple, lichen, impetigo, and more serious pathology, such as melanoma. Differentiation is an opportunity to eliminate medical errors, choose drugs and methods for treatment, and return a woman's feeling of comfort and health in general.

Differential diagnosis separates the following diseases:

Eczema.
Intraductal papilloma.
Pityriasis versicolor.
Milk jug nipple.
Dermatitis.
Eczema.
Squamous cell carcinoma.
Cancer of Paget.
Mastitis.
Allergy.

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Nipple redness treatment

Treatment of redness of the nipples is directly related to the etiology of the underlying disease.

The most common causes of nipple redness and standard treatments are:

Breast nipple cracks. This skin condition is usually diagnosed in women who are breastfeeding. Most effective method to quickly heal cracked nipple skin is a preliminary preparation of the mammary glands for feeding. Prevention of the disease largely prevents the development of deep erosive processes. Even if cracks appear, they do not cause discomfort, do not interfere with the feeding regime and heal successfully. Treatment of reddening of the nipples with cracks consists in careful breast care, treating the nipples with antiseptic agents, adhering to a diet and, most importantly, changing the schedule and technique of feeding itself. External medications are prescribed by the attending physician, these can be anti-inflammatory solutions, moisturizing lotions, creams, and antibacterial ointments.
Thrush. Redness of the skin of the nipple or areola is accompanied by severe itching, so treatment necessarily includes means to relieve irritation. In addition, the woman's diet must be changed, drugs are prescribed that activate immunity and eliminate the cause - infection of the body with candida. It should also be noted that thrush almost always affects both the mother and the newborn baby, so both the woman and the baby are treated.
Allergy. First of all, the causes of an allergic reaction are neutralized. After diagnosis, when an allergen is detected, all risks of contact with it are excluded. If the redness of the nipples is caused by a food allergen, the system and diet change. Elimination of an aggressive allergenic agent allows you to quickly eliminate external clinical manifestations of the disease and prevent their occurrence in the future. Antihistamines can be prescribed, both in the form of external agents and in tablet form.
Tumor processes in the breast, in which reddening of the nipple is considered one of the clinical manifestations of Paget's cancer, are subject to complex treatment. Therapy, procedures are prescribed by an oncologist. Surgical intervention is indicated at a certain degree of severity of the process, when the operation stops the development of the spread of atypical cells.
Mastopathy, mastitis, in addition to external drugs and drugs in the form of tablets, are also treated with physiotherapy procedures. Physiotherapy allows you to resolve congestion in the mammary glands and accelerate recovery.

Women who find their nipples redden often resort to folk methods treatment. Such methods can really be effective, provided that they are recommended by a doctor. Self-medication and breast diseases are unacceptable, especially considering that breast cancer is still the leader among all oncological pathologies in women aged 20-25 to 55 years.

Medicines

Medicines that are prescribed for redness of the nipples can be both external and in the form of tablets. The category, classification of drugs depends on the cause of the disease, just like the entire treatment system. We list the most common medications that can reduce the intensity of the symptom and provide a therapeutic effect.

For cracks in the nipples, medications are prescribed externally. These can be ointments containing non-aggressive anti-inflammatory substances, given the fact that cracks are most often found in breastfeeding mothers. Here is a list of the most popular crack treatments:
- Lanovit.
- Solcoseryl.
- Avent.
- Bepanten.
- Ointments containing beta-carotene or tocopherol.
- Dexpanthenol.
- Cream-balm for the healing of cracked nipples.
- Desitin.
- Sudocrem.
- Lanovit.
- Retinoic ointment.
- We see.
- Woolnuzan.
- Actovegin in the form of a gel.
- Chlorophyllipt solution.
Nipple eczema requires long-term persistent treatment, since eczema dermatitis is inherently allergic. The remedies that are prescribed for eczema may be as follows:
- Prednisolone, which has anti-allergic, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hydrocortisone ointment. An effective medicine for allergic eczema. The ointment has its own contraindications, so it is not recommended to use it alone
- Dermasan, an effective drug, if neurodermatitis, eczema are diagnosed for the first time and at the initial stage of development.
- Since the reddening of the nipples in eczema is accompanied by severe itching, deterioration of general well-being, tranquilizers and antidepressants may be prescribed to patients.
- Etimizole, which has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects.

Severe stages of nipple eczema involve the use of hormonal corticosteroid medications. All types of eczematous dermatitis require medications that have an immunomodulatory effect:

Thrush on the nipples is treated with drugs of the antifungal group - fluconazole, diflucan and from the variety. Medicines are selected and prescribed by a doctor, especially if the therapy is intended for a nursing mother.
Cancer of Paget. Medicines are prescribed strictly in accordance with the type of oncopathology. So, in the ulcerative form of cancer, in addition to traditional anticancer therapy, external agents can be recommended that adequately relieve skin inflammation. If the cancer develops as an eczematous type, medications are selected as part of a treatment similar to eczema therapy.

Medicines for reddening of the nipples are the prerogative of a doctor, only a specialist can differentiate clinical manifestations, make an accurate diagnosis and choose effective, effective drugs.

Ointment for reddening of the nipples

Ointment for redness of the nipples is selected depending on the cause provoking the symptom. You should also take into account the anamnestic data of the woman and her state of health at the time of the start of treatment.

Redness of the nipples in most cases is associated with hormonal changes in the body or with pregnancy or lactation. Oncopathology can also cause irritation of the skin of the nipple, changes in its shape, but in such cases, treatment and ointments should be specific, like the process of the disease itself.

List of ointments for nipple redness:

In case of lactostasis (milk stagnation), it is recommended to use cooling or absorbable ointments. Traumeel, all ointment preparations with arnica, calendula extract, chestnut extract, heparin gel have this effect.
Nipple cracks are also successfully treated with preparations in the form of ointments. The ointment against the reddening of the nipples with cracks should have an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect in order to quickly stop the spread of the infection and not "let" it go deep into the breast tissue. Solcoseryl, lanolin ointments, synthomycin ointment, Purelan, Bepanten, sea buckthorn ointment, Panthenol, Tsindol, Desitin and other drugs are effective, which can be very effective if prescribed by a doctor according to indications and after clarifying the diagnosis.
Candidiasis, which provokes reddening of the nipples, is treated with external agents that neutralize the fungal infection. Ointment for reddening of the nipples with thrush is nystatin ointment, flucanazole, lamisole. However, it should be remembered that thrush is a phenomenon that occurs when breastfeeding. Therefore, any ointment can enter the baby's gastrointestinal tract, therefore, only a doctor should prescribe medications, including ointments.
Eczema is treated in a complex, like allergies in general. An ointment for nipple eczema can be effective when combined with pill formulations. Medicines for eczema belong to the category of antihistamines, and corticoids can also be prescribed if eczema becomes severe - Prednisolone, Skin-cap, Soderm, Dermasan. An ointment with a drying effect is also effective.

Traditional treatment

Alternative treatment of nipple redness can be very effective if the exact cause of the symptom is established and the treatment is prescribed by a specialist, a doctor. It is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women to keep this in mind. Not all herbal teas, herbal infusions, decoctions can be harmless, in addition, with the illiterate use of herbal medicine, precious time is lost, and the disease can become severe. Traditionally, alternative treatment is used simultaneously with basic therapy, or after it as a means of consolidating the result.

Phytotherapy for reddening of the nipples is the following procedures:

Lotions (decoctions, infusions).
Production and use of ointments based on extracts from herbs and plants.
General baths for the whole body with a decoction of herbs, medicinal plants.
Compresses with herbal infusion.
Ingestion of specially made broths.

Herbal preparations should have the main properties that help neutralize nipple redness:

Safety and absence side effects.
Anti-inflammatory or antibacterial action.
Softening effect.
Wound healing action.
Drying weeping wounds properties.
Absorbent, anti-edema effect.

Alternative treatment for redness of the nipples involves the use of such plants or herbs:

St. John's wort.
Mint.
Plantain.
Chamomile.
Marshmallow root.
The sequence.
Oak bark.
Highlander serpentine.
Violet.
Dandelion.
Clover leaves and flowers.
Sophora Japanese.
Birch leaves.
Blueberry leaves.
Juniper needles.

It is not possible to list all medicinal herbs or plants within the framework of the article, so we suggest studying several proven, effective recipes:

Prepare herbal collection - 1 part each oregano, mint, plantain leaves, juniper berries, chamomile, St. John's wort. 1 teaspoon of dry chopped herbal collection is poured with a glass of boiling water, insisted for 40-45 minutes. The filtered infusion is cooled to a comfortable temperature and used as a lotion that relieves itching, irritation and redness of the nipples.
Dried geranium leaves, lavender, dandelion root, violet flowers and leaves, fireweed, centaury, celandine, oak bark - 1 part each. 2 tablespoons of the mixture are poured with 1 liter of boiling water and insisted in a thermos for 10-12 hours (it is convenient to brew overnight). If the infusion turns out to be too concentrated, dark, it is slightly diluted with water and used as washing the entire breast, including the nipple. Washing should be carried out at least twice a day for 10-14 days. Also, the broth works great as a lotion. A gauze napkin is moistened in an herbal infusion, squeezed a little and applied to the damaged, reddened nipple for 1 hour. This method is effective for nipple cracks and neurodermatitis.
The reception of phyto-baths is no less effective. The recipe is as follows - take equal parts celandine and chamomile (25 grams each), pour 500 ml cold water, leave for an hour, then simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain and pour into the bathroom, dilute with warm, comfortable temperature water, take baths every other day for two weeks. Alternative treatment for redness of the nipples will burn to consist in a bathing system with an infusion of burdock root - the root is crushed, a tablespoon is poured into 500 ml of water, boiled for 10 minutes, poured into the base volume of water in the bath.
A decoction that should be drunk within a month. Black currant leaves, nettle, violet grass and flowers, chamomile, rose hips - 1 tablespoon each. The mixture is stored in a dry jar or linen bag. Every day, a decoction is prepared - 1 teaspoon of herbal collection is poured with 300 ml of boiling water, infused for 30-40 minutes. The filtered medicinal broth should be drunk in small sips during the day, the course is one month. The tool perfectly cleanses the blood, strengthens the immune system and helps the body cope with inflammatory processes, including in the mammary gland.
Category folk treatment include such recipes - applying raw pumpkin pulp, pea flour mixed with cabbage juice to the reddened nipple. Do not forget about the beneficial wound healing and decongestant properties of cabbage leaves or burdock leaves. Purulent inflammation of the mammary gland, which provokes an increase in temperature and redness of the skin of the nipple, can be cured with gruel from freshly boiled beans. A dressing with steamed and mashed figs has the same effect.

Alternative treatment of nipple skin diseases brings results only if the cause of the symptom is accurately established and the herbal therapy scheme is drawn up by a doctor.

Herbal treatment

Herbal treatment for redness of the nipples helps to relieve discomfort, irritation, inflammation or itching. Properly selected herbs can have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect, as well as accelerate the healing of microcracks and wounds. At the same time, it must be remembered that not all herbal teas are neutral and safe, therefore, before using decoctions or tinctures, it is advisable to consult with a specialist phytotherapist or attending physician.

The list of means and methods that are included in the category of "herbal treatment":

Hypericum treatment. A decoction or infusion of St. John's wort heals well small wounds, cracks in the nipples. Decoction recipe - 2 tablespoons of dry herbs are poured with 2 glasses of cold water, allowed to brew in this form for 4-5 hours. Then the liquid is boiled for 10 minutes, cooled to a comfortable temperature, filtered. The resulting broth can be used to wipe the nipple cracks every 2 hours for 2-3 days. Lotions are also effective - a cotton swab is dipped into the broth, soaked and applied to the skin of the nipple and areola. Useful properties St. John's wort oil (can be bought at the pharmacy) also possesses, it is applied to a gauze napkin, applied to the nipples, leaving for 1 hour.
Redness of the nipples, inflamed skin of the areola, especially with eczematous dermatitis, is well treated with pumpkin pulp. Boil the pumpkin, knead it with milk to a state of gruel. The resulting poultice is collected in a gauze bag (or wrapped in a thin cotton cloth). The pulp is left on the nipples overnight. This method helps to relieve inflammation and activates the separation of purulent contents from purulent wounds.
Plantain seeds are beneficial for redness of the nipples as an anti-inflammatory agent. The seeds need to be crushed in a coffee grinder or crushed, pour boiling water in a ratio of 1 tablespoon to a glass of boiling water. The cooled broth is used as a lotion. Phyto-ointment from seeds is also effective - crushed seeds are poured with a small amount of water until the consistency of thick sour cream. Ointment is applied to reddened skin 2-3 times a day until irritation is completely neutralized.
Japanese sophora beans are alcohol-based (1: 1). The tincture helps with weeping ulcerative lesions of the nipple skin (dermatitis, eczema). Sophora is effective as a means of drawing out pus, disinfecting wounds.
Linden leaves and inflorescences have an antiseptic effect. Linden tea poultices are a great way to relieve nipple redness.
Rice starch is effective for weeping forms of nipple eczema. Starch is applied to gauze, applied to the affected area of the chest, leaving for 4-5 hours.
Infusion of sweet clover (a teaspoon of herbs in a glass of boiling water - infuse for 15 minutes) is used as a remedy to relieve the redness of the nipple areola. Melilot ointment - chopped grass is mixed with propolis, applied to the chest for mastitis or on the skin around the nipple with intraductal papillomas.
Aloe juice is able to heal cracked nipples, small erosive wounds. The aloe leaf is left for 2-3 days in a dark place, grind or crushed, squeeze the pulp, lubricate the wounds, the skin of the nipple with juice.
Herbal treatment includes the use of celandine. It should be noted that celandine juice can be both useful and have a negative effect. Therefore, the use of this method requires strict adherence to the recipe. 5 drops per 150 ml of boiled water is a safe concentration that has a wound healing effect in case of redness, cracked nipples.

Herbal treatment is an excellent method that complements the basic therapy for complex nipple diseases, as well as a remedy for the prevention of various damage to the skin of the breast.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an additional effective method that consolidates the basic treatment with medication. It should be remembered that homeopathy for redness of the nipples must be carefully selected, and the course of treatment can be very long. Homeopathic remedies work well in treating nipple redness for pregnant or lactating women, provided that the complex is prescribed by a specialist. Homeopathy works mildly, does not cause side effects and can be used for almost all categories of patients.

Here are examples of homeopathic regimens that can be prescribed to a woman when nipple redness appears:

Calcarea carbonica.
Graphite.
Aconite.
Sulfur.
Mastopol.
Conium.
Bryony.
Phytolacca.

Homeopathy is effective in treating the cause of the symptom, redness, itching and irritation of the nipples as a consequence of the disease is often relieved in the first week of taking homeopathic medicines. For example, the treatment of lactostasis (milk stagnation):

Aconite is effective at the very beginning of the disease, especially with mastopathy. The dosage and course of treatment will be prescribed by a homeopathic specialist.
Bryony helps as a mild absorbent.
Belladonna works great for inflammatory processes that provoke reddening of the nipples.
Calcarea carbonica helps to normalize the inflow and outflow of breast milk, thus it is possible to prevent the development of lactostasis and, as a result, irritation, redness of the nipples of the mammary glands.
Pulsatilla nigricans helps to reduce the risk of breast milk stagnation and therefore can be considered a preventive measure against various nipple skin problems.
Local homeopathic therapy is the use of arnica, calendula in various forms. These drugs help to heal cracked nipples, small wounds, including purulent ones.
Borax helps to dry weeping, ulcerated wounds on the skin of the nipples.

Homeopathy can speed up the process of treating redness of the nipples, reduce the severity of symptoms, even with serious pathologies of the mammary glands, but the course of treatment should be prescribed by a doctor who has special knowledge and experience in working with homeopathic medicines.

Operative treatment

Surgical treatment for reddening of the nipples, irritation of the skin of the mammary gland is an extreme measure, which is indicated only in severe forms of serious diseases. As a rule, preventive timely measures, breast care, accurate diagnosis and conservative treatment give their results, and a woman has the opportunity to avoid surgery. Surgical treatment is prescribed for oncopathologies or an advanced stage of mastopathy. In addition, severe types of mastopathy are also treated surgically if the diagnosis shows inflammation of a purulent nature. The abscess is opened, drained, the procedure can be performed both under local anesthesia and under general anesthesia, depending on the depth of the suppuration and the degree of its spread. Consider the option of surgery for Paget's cancer:

The method of surgical intervention and its volume are directly related to the diagnosis and stage of cancer.
Radical mastectomy is the choice of method for the invasive form of the oncological process.
Partial removal of a sector, tissue (pectoral muscle) is indicated for non-invasive cancer.
Resection of a part of the mammary gland can also be shown at the initial stage of the process, in which case the surgical intervention includes the removal of the nipple and areola. After the recovery period, a woman can turn to a plastic surgeon for mammoplasty of the breast, nipple and areola.
If atypical cells are localized only in the nipple area, this area is removed, and the spread of cells is stopped with the help of radiation therapy.
As a rule, surgical treatment for Paget's cancer is accompanied by additional methods and procedures that stop the spread of atypical cells - chemotherapy, gamma procedures, hormone therapy.
Lymph nodes can also be removed if cancer cells spread to the lymphatic system. Differentiation of the diagnosis and localization of the lesion is clarified using ultrasound, mammography, biopsy, cytological analyzes.
Gamma therapy is indicated as an alternative to surgical treatment for patients over the age of 60, when the operation cannot be performed due to physiological age indicators.

It should be remembered that timely diagnosis and treatment started helps a woman to preserve her breasts or to allow the doctor to prescribe an organ-preserving method of surgery. In addition, early detection of abnormal cells reduces the risk of complications after surgery and increases the chances of survival even in the most severe forms of breast cancer.

Prevention

Prevention of redness of the nipple, areola consists in a systematic examination of the breast, careful and careful care of the mammary glands as a whole. The general prevention tips are identical to those for the prevention of breast and pelvic diseases in women. This is due to the rather high prevalence of cancer among the fair sex.

Tips for preventing nipple redness, breast-related diseases in women:

Gentle Breast Care and Hygiene
Use of comfortable, preferably cotton underwear (bras, T-shirts, tops)
Protect the mammary glands from direct sunlight and heat.
Using natural breast care products, eliminating soaps, gels containing chemicals and synthetic fragrances greatly reduces the risk of irritation to sensitive skin

The prognosis for reddening of the nipples is generally one of the most favorable among all typically "female" diseases. Redness of the nipples is quickly and effectively treated, of course, provided that the cause of the symptom is accurately diagnosed and the treatment is started on time.

We list the options for predicting the treatment of reddening of the nipples:

Thrush. Effective treatment completely eliminates redness of the nipples, the prognosis for the treatment of breast candidiasis is favorable
Mastopathy. The prognosis depends on the type, degree of spread of inflammation in the chest, but in general, the outcome of treatment is usually good.
Severe forms of mastopathy can lead to oncopathology or become a favorable environment for the development of breast cancer. The prognosis of breast cancer therapy is directly related to when treatment is started and the severity of the pathology
The prognosis for Paget's cancer is variable. The risk of a negative outcome is associated with the stage of cancer, its activity and the state of health of the woman, more precisely, with the presence or absence of chronic diseases before diagnosis.
The prognostic panel for oncopathology also has a fairly wide range. Medical science does not stand still, literally every year new technologies, methods, apparatus and tools appear that help to reduce the negative statistics of cancer. If the Atypical cells are docked in time, there is no metastasis, the patient survival rate is almost 90% within 4-5 years. Further prognosis depends on the likelihood of relapse and preventive measures taken by the woman.

Redness of the nipples is not a life-threatening symptom, however, as a sign, the symptom needs to be clarified the root cause and adequate treatment. If nipple skin irritation, redness or cracks are treated comprehensively and in a timely manner, uncomfortable, painful sensations pass quickly and without consequences. Taking care of the breast, systematically examining and caring for it is the main way to help avoid many of the troubles associated with diseases of the mammary glands in general.

Doesn't the nurse visit you from the clinic?

or go to the clinic on "healthy child's day" so that there are no sick children and sit in lines.

so I'll sit until 10 and call the paid one

and this testosterone is naughty and so it is excreted from the body - the main thing is that there is no temperature, and it seems like you need to see a surgeon ..

like if there is no discharge from the nipple, then it will go away by itself ..

In short, look at the state, well, it's better to play it safe)))))

Today the doctor is from three. I signed up, and we'll see.

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Forum of the School of Parenting Skills "WE"

Redness of the girl's nipple. Swelling of the breast.

Sonya4 Nov 29, 2009

Maybe someone came across this? why could it be?

I climbed a little on the Internet, but everywhere the same answer - (urgently) to the surgeon or to the pediatrician. But I didn't want to go to the clinic now because of the quarantine. or is it still necessary?

Olson Nov 29, 2009

Sonya4 Nov 29, 2009

Maybe it's really hormonal? in fact, my thyroid hormones can be naughty (not tested for a long time), just the cycle moved for three days - I wonder if it could have influenced through HS?

AnnaZinch 29 Nov 2009

Olson Nov 29, 2009

I will not undertake to answer your questions, I am not competent, I wrote only as we had. I just hope that you are okay and everything will pass soon!

Sonya4 Nov 29, 2009

Tatiana 30 Sep 2016

Friends of the child are about two weeks old.

The pediatrician came for an examination, and ordered to smear the girl's chest with Vishnevsky ointment

Mom’s words so that I don’t get it wrong:

"The pediatrician came, pointed out to us that the child's mammary glands are swelling, said to do compresses with Vishnevsky's ointment."

Otherwise, it can develop into mastitis.

Mom says her breasts are really swollen. That "they (mammary glands) really swelled and became rough, yesterday afternoon this was not."

We slept badly at night. Mom thought that the child was hot, but the temperature, she said, was normal.

Is it hormonal and pediatrician in the "careful pediatrician" topic or could it really be dangerous?

klarissa 30 Sep 2016

Most likely hormonal.

The middle daughter has a swollen gland on one side. applied ointment, it did not help, went for a consultation with a gynecologist. The endocrinologist scared that puberty could bring a child to a nervous illness (Why?).

Everything resolved. The child is now 19 years old.

Breast glands in a child

Do you know what processes in a child's body occur from the moment of his birth to two months? While the fetus is developing in the mother's body, maternal hormones pass through the placenta to the baby, which affect the correct formation of the breasts and genitals in both boys and girls.

Breast tissue is the most sensitive to estrogen. During the flow of this hormone through the mother's placenta, the baby's mammary glands begin to form. After birth, breast enlargement can be observed in babies. Over time, the estrogen will leave the baby's body and the breasts will no longer be swollen.

Moms and dads should not be concerned if they find breast swelling in their baby. This is an absolutely normal process that will be completed in a short time.

Do I need to see a doctor?

It may be that a clear or white liquid begins to stand out from the swollen mammary glands. This is not at all any pathology. This is called original milk, which is very similar in composition to the colostrum of a young mother. In no case should this milk be squeezed out, because with such actions, an infection and various harmful microbes can be introduced into the breast tissue, leading to serious consequences. You should not do breast massage either, as good grandmothers sometimes advise, and also often touch them. You do not need to do various heating compresses, on the contrary, they can provoke inflammation.

You need to calm down and remember that you should not rush to the hospital about this. But if, when examining a child, you found swelling around the nipples, if the tissue became hot or one nipple became larger than the other, then you can call a pediatrician and consult.

What examination, and what tests need to be done and what will the results say?

Usually, you do not need to take any tests. If you suddenly suspect that the tissue near the nipples is inflamed, the doctor will definitely prescribe a blood test from the child. Sometimes a prescribed course of antibiotics can be prescribed without a blood test.

Is treatment required?

Breast enlargement in a child, which is temporary, does not require any treatment. After a certain time, the glands will return to their normal state. If an infection suddenly appears in the swollen glands of the baby, the doctor will prescribe special antibiotics for the child. Usually antibiotics are prescribed in the form of capsules or tablets, because in this form they quickly enter the body and exert their therapeutic effect.

Can complications arise?

One complication that can result from swollen breasts is infection. But usually, this happens very rarely and if swelling occurs, then only on one side of the chest. Therefore, the main recommendation of pediatricians to young parents is to stay calm and not take any independent actions that can harm the baby.

Hello! My daughter is 10 years old. Her breasts began to grow from the age of 9 and for some reason only the left one. Now the right breast is a little swollen, but still the difference is huge. Can you please tell me if this is normal or is it better to see a doctor?

hello, my daughter 1.3! we were on IV! an increase in the mammary glands was noticed at 2 months! immediately turned to the pediatrician, we were sent for an ultrasound scan! the uzist said that we need to watch! as a result, by 1.3 they increased by 1 , 5 times! Now they have referred to an endocrinologist! We haven’t contacted him yet, we are waiting for a referral from a pediatrician! Tell me, how dangerous is it?

Hello. My child is 1.5 years old. I began to notice that one of his nipples turned slightly red. Please tell me is it worth worrying?

The son is 3 years old, his nipple turned red and not much thickened, what is it? Is it dangerous? Could it be low hemoglobin?

Hello! My daughter is 7 years old. The breast has increased on the right side. We had this when the child was 8 masses, then they said it was a release of hormones, over time everything passed, but now on the other hand, what to do, which doctor to go to?

Enter the age of the father and mother, if the father or mother had blood loss (operations, blood donation, childbirth), then enter the age at which this happened.

If a child has an inflamed nipple, and the child is a couple of weeks old, then there is nothing to worry about. Inflammation of the nipples in a child from the age of one year may indicate a serious illness.

Immediately after birth, babies (both girls and boys) may experience breast engorgement and nipple discharge. Doctors consider this to be normal due to hormonal changes in the body.

Symptoms of nipple inflammation

Symptoms of nipple inflammation include: increased nipple soreness, hardening, redness and enlargement, fluid may be released from the nipples (most often white or transparent). The appearance of such symptoms is explained by the penetration of hormones that stimulate breast tissue from the mother's body into the baby's blood through the placenta. That is, if a child's nipple is inflamed, doctors do not think that anything should be done: the symptoms go away on their own after one to two weeks without outside intervention.

If the fluid that comes out of the nipples is not white and not clear, then the baby may have developed ectasia of the milk ducts (benign blockage). In this case, the symptoms will appear for several months.

How to treat inflammation of the nipples in a baby?

Inflammation of the nipples in a child occurs in 5% of newborns and does not pose any threat to their health, that is, it does not require any treatment. At the same time, parents are strictly forbidden to squeeze liquid from the mammary glands or knead them, since these actions can cause serious consequences that will not go away by themselves.

If nipple inflammation occurs in children from a year old or nipple inflammation is a result of an injury, then in this case, of course, you need to consult a specialist as soon as possible. Inflammation of the nipples can be a symptom of mastitis or breast cancer, as well as signs of developing inflammation. Each of these diseases requires immediate highly qualified treatment.

URGENTLY! The baby's nipple turns red

but there is no opportunity to see a pediatrician. we are in another city.

tell me what was it? and how did it go?

I understand that a lot of time has passed ... but can you tell us what you had and when it passed? We have the same symptoms, only we are 7 months old

Damn, and we have the same thing, the baby is three months old, yesterday I noticed that the halo on one breast is red, what is it all the same.

Hello! Tell me, how did it go? We started this morning. ((((

Good afternoon, tell me, please, did your redness go away by itself or what happened?

The son has the same thing today, what is it?

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inflamed 1 nipple in a child

My daughter, 4 years old, noticed yesterday that one papilla on her right breast became red and a little swollen, no pain, she feels fine. Tell me what it can be, and what should we do?

Redness of the areola of the nipple can occur for many reasons. Some causes of red nipples are harmless when associated with cyclical changes in the body. Others talk about the development of a serious illness. Do not torment yourself with guesses - consult a mammologist or gynecologist in a timely manner. After examination and palpation, the doctor can send for additional diagnostics to make an accurate diagnosis.

Only a qualified specialist can identify a reliable cause of redness around the nipples. Not in all cases, redness around the nipple is caused by the development of pathology.

The most common reasons are:

lactation
incorrectly selected linen
allergic reactions

Breastfeeding your baby can cause nipple soreness and redness. This phenomenon is especially common among young mothers who do not know how to properly attach the baby to the breast.

If the woman is a nursing mother, there are a number of factors to consider:

Lactostasis - milk stagnation is often accompanied by painful sensations in the chest and reddening of the areolas and nipples. Lactostasis is characterized by dysfunction of milk outflow from the milk ducts, which leads to unpleasant symptoms.
Injury to the nipple - There are a number of reasons for injury. This is an uncomfortable bra, mistakes in attaching a newborn to the breast, a malformed baby's bite.
Candidiasis is a fungal infection that not only causes redness on the nipples, but is also transmitted to the infant through breastfeeding.

If the woman is not a nursing mother, then the reason may be hidden in the wrong underwear. Synthetic fabrics and small bras can cause redness around the nipple, as well as many diseases. Choose your lingerie size carefully and opt for products made from natural fabrics.

Allergic reactions are also a common cause of red nipples. First of all, it is necessary to identify the allergen and exclude it from everyday life. For this purpose, it is recommended to visit an allergist.

Most often, allergens are:

Food
synthetic fabric from which clothes and underwear are made
armpit aerosols;
washing powder / fabric softener
body creams

In any case, you need to consult a specialist who will help get rid of discomfort and understand the reasons for its occurrence.

Pathology

In addition to the harmless reasons associated with lactation and allergens, there are a number of pathological processes, also characterized by the fact that the nipples redden and hurt. It is impossible to accurately diagnose just one symptom; for this, it is necessary to carry out a number of diagnostic procedures that make it possible to compile the most complete picture of the disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms directly depend on the cause of the redness. Each pathology taken separately has its own characteristics, which can only be recognized by an experienced specialist.

The symptoms are as follows:

Breast trauma - itching, redness, sometimes painful sensations.
Inflammation of the Montgomery tubercles - itching, burning, and tenderness.
Hepatic infection - a rash in the form of blisters, itching, redness, pain, burning, general malaise.
Candidiasis - pain, redness, white bloom, cracks, itching, ulcers.
Eczema is severe itching, burning, ulcers and cracks.
Paget's cancer - redness, pain, itching, burning, discharge, chest tightness.
Dermatitis - cracks, swelling, erosion of the skin.

If, in addition to redness, the nipples hurt or sores and cracks appear on them, as well as any of the above signs, an urgent need to visit a doctor for further diagnosis and timely treatment.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic procedures are carried out only after the initial examination by a doctor. The specialist will listen to complaints, conduct an examination and send them for further diagnostics in order to make a diagnosis.

The diagnostic procedure includes:

Anamnesis - the patient is interviewed regarding the reddening of the nipples, as well as external examination and palpation. Having collected the necessary information, the doctor makes a decision regarding further examination.
Ultrasound of the mammary glands - it is necessary when detecting seals in the breast, helps to determine its presence, localization, nature and stage of development.
Biopsy - only required if nipple carcinoma is suspected. It is carried out by taking biomaterial with a needle and examining the presence of cancer cells.
General analysis of blood and urine - helps to identify the causative agent of the inflammatory process.
Allergen Skin Tests - Only needed to check for an allergic reaction or eczema.
Mammography - can be assigned only to the fair sex who have had menopause, in rare cases - to young girls. Mammography allows you to determine the presence of a tumor, its location and stage of development.
MRI - used to track changes in the breast area, as well as to determine the type of tumor detected.

The use of instrumental diagnostics is necessary only in cases where there is a suspicion of nipple cancer. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can increase the chances of a complete cure, as well as reduce the risk of relapse.

Treatment and prevention

To begin effective treatment, you will first need to identify the cause.

Common causes and how to treat them:

Allergy - initially you will need to pass tests and identify the allergen. In the future, you should avoid any contact with him. Food allergy involves a complete overhaul of the diet and a special diet. Usually, eliminating the allergen acts as a treatment. Sometimes the doctor prescribes antihistamines in various pharmacological forms.
Mastopathy, mastitis - physical therapy is needed in conjunction with pills and external drugs. Such therapy allows you to get rid of the disease in the shortest possible time.
Candidiasis - first of all, it is necessary to remove such unpleasant symptoms as burning and itching. For this purpose, medications are required to relieve irritation. Also, drugs are prescribed to help activate the immune system and eliminate candida. A special diet is introduced. If not only the mother, but also the child has been infected, then treatment will be required for both.
Tumor - most often surgery is used in combination with chemotherapy, radiation or hormonal therapy. The complex of procedures directly depends on the severity of the disease.
Cracks - usually found during breastfeeding. For prevention, it is necessary to carry out preliminary preparation of the mammary glands, as well as to exclude washing the skin of the breast with soap. Treatment consists in observing the rules of feeding, using antiseptic and wound healing agents. All medications for the restoration of the skin must be agreed with the doctor.

You should not self-medicate and resort to folk methods without first consulting a specialist - this can lead to a worsening of the condition. If the nipples hurt for a long time and there are other unpleasant symptoms, then a visit to the doctor should not be postponed indefinitely. Early diagnosis of serious pathologies allows you to most effectively and quickly get rid of the disease.

Redness of the nipples in women is most often a visible symptom of certain diseases. It is necessary to study the nature of its manifestation, determine the degree of intensity and possible provoking factors. The doctor will have to conduct an examination and palpation of the breast in order to understand what the redness of the nipples may be associated with, check the patient's mammary glands for possible seals.

Redness can be localized around the nipple, under or above it, covering the entire areola or the entire nipple. Sometimes redness is observed in only one nipple, sometimes in both at once.

In any case, without professional diagnostics, you cannot accurately recognize the cause on your own without a specialist. Sometimes, in addition to a gynecologist and mammologist, you may need a consultation and examination with an oncologist, dermatologist, dermatovenerologist and endocrinologist.

Causes of reddening of the nipples in women

Mechanical violation of tissue integrity nipple as a result of injury.
Candidiasis disease.
Stagnant milk in the milk ducts of the breast during lactation, as well as lactostasis, in which there is a violation of the normal process of milk inflow and outflow.
Incorrectly selected shape (size) of underwear... Most often, in this case, the reddening of the nipples of the mammary gland becomes a consequence of rubbing against the fabric, seam or decorative details of the bra.
Manifestation of an allergic reaction on synthetic material of underwear, components of consumed foodstuffs, cosmetics, vitamins, preparations, washing powder.
Irritation of the nipples due to sweating or lack of oxygen, which is necessary for the skin of the breast.
Rash provoked by the activity of staphylococcal infection.
Inflammatory process in the areola area.
Development of nipple psoriasis, an autoimmune disease in which burning, itching, discoloration and relief of the skin, redness of the nipples may appear.
Activation of herpes virus 1, in which, in addition to redness of the nipples, characteristic bubbles may appear.
Neurodermatitis and periareolar dermatitis atopic form.
Mammary cancer(eczema-like type).

What can not be done if the nipples are red?

If you observe reddening of the nipples, in no case do these actions, as they can worsen the condition of the tissues, and in some cases, provoke complications:

do not lubricate the nipples with medicinal ointments, gels, cosmetics, if there was no prior agreement with the doctor;
do not rub nipples and do not have any mechanical impact on them;
do not touch the nipple area so as not to increase their redness;
do not treat nipples with alcohol, antibacterial agents, shower gel, soap, do not use a washcloth;
do not wear synthetic underwear(wear a natural cotton breathable bra).

How to eliminate nipple redness?

The doctor will choose the means and methods of therapy depending on the factor provoking the reddening of the nipples. If the phenomenon is caused by normal mechanical friction or the wearing of synthetic underwear, simply eliminate this factor.

If redness around the nipple of the breast or its entire area is a symptom, you will have to undergo full treatment.

With breast cancer an operation is performed that will stop the spread of atypical cells.
With candidiasis, eczema, psoriasis and herpes specialized drugs and antibiotics are prescribed.
If the redness of the nipple of the mammary gland is a consequence of an allergic reaction, the patient is prescribed antihistamines.
To eliminate inflammation anti-inflammatory therapy is needed.
With congestion of milk in the breast physiotherapy and massage techniques are recommended.
When redness is caused by trauma nipples and a violation of the integrity of their tissues, the specialist advises the use of healing ointments and an emollient cream to restore.