Bumps Around Nipple – Healthnile.com

Bumps around the nipple are common and often harmless, but they can sometimes signal an underlying issue. Montgomery’s glands, which are normal oil glands, often cause these bumps and help protect and moisturize the nipple. Other times, acne, blocked pores, or skin irritation may cause bumps.

Not every bump points to a problem, but changes in size, color, or pain levels can suggest something more serious, such as infection or, in rare cases, certain breast conditions.

Definition of Symptom

Bumps around the nipple are small raised areas that appear on or near the areolas. They can vary in size, texture, and number. Some feel soft, while others feel firm or tender. These bumps often develop on the areolas, the darker skin surrounding the nipples.

In many cases, natural structures in the breast tissue, such as Montgomery glands, produce oils to keep the skin moisturized and can form these bumps. Bumps do not always signal illness. They can appear as part of normal anatomy or result from skin conditions, blocked ducts, or hormonal changes. Common features include:

Location: On nipples, areolas, or nearby breast tissue.
Appearance: Flesh-colored, red, or darker than surrounding skin.
Texture: Smooth, rough, or fluid-filled.
Sensation: Painless, itchy, sore, or tender.

Symptom Feature	Possible Description
Size	Pinpoint to pea-sized
Number	Single or multiple
Feel	Soft, firm, or painful
Duration	Temporary or lasting

Hormonal shifts such as during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or breastfeeding can cause bumps to appear or disappear. At other times, skin irritation, cysts, or infections may be responsible.

Possible Causes/Diseases Condition

Several different conditions can cause bumps around the nipple. Some are harmless and temporary, while others may need medical care.

Normal causes include Montgomery glands, which are small oil glands on the areola. These glands keep the nipple moisturized and can appear as small raised bumps.
Skin-related causes may involve blocked hair follicles, acne, or sebaceous cysts. These cysts form when oil glands or skin cells become trapped, creating a smooth, sometimes tender lump.
Infections such as mastitis can also cause bumps or swelling. Mastitis often affects people who are breastfeeding and may cause redness, pain, and warmth in the breast area.
Breast lumps can sometimes develop near the nipple. Many lumps are harmless growths, such as fibroadenomas or cysts, but a doctor should still check them to rule out more serious conditions.

A less common but important cause is breast cancer, including forms like Paget’s disease of the nipple. Signs may include persistent redness, flaking skin, or a lump beneath the areola.

Condition	Key Features
Montgomery glands	Small, normal bumps on areola.
Sebaceous cysts	Smooth, often painless lump.
Mastitis	Red, painful swelling, often infection.
Breast lumps	May be benign or linked to cancer.
Breast cancer	Changes in skin, nipple, or new lump.

Other Non-Disease Causes

Some bumps around the nipple are linked to normal body functions rather than illness. These changes often come and go without treatment.

Montgomery glands are one of the most common causes. These small glands sit on the areola and release fluid that helps keep the skin and nipple moisturized. Their size can vary, and they may appear more noticeable at certain times.
Hormonal changes also play a role. During puberty, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles, hormonal fluctuations can cause the glands or surrounding skin to swell slightly. This can make bumps more visible for a short period.

Minor skin issues can also cause harmless bumps. For example:

A blocked hair follicle may look like a small pimple.
Mild irritation from clothing or friction can lead to temporary bumps.
Dry skin may cause raised areas that improve with moisturizing.

Cause	Description	Common Triggers
Montgomery glands	Natural oil glands on the areola	Normal anatomy
Hormonal fluctuations	Shifts in hormone levels	Puberty, pregnancy, menstrual cycle
Skin irritation	Friction, dryness, or blocked pores	Tight clothing, lack of moisture

How It Causes the Symptom

Glands or skin structures in the area can react to changes in the body and cause bumps around the nipple. Montgomery glands may become more visible when they produce extra oil to keep the skin moisturized.

Hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, or breastfeeding can cause these glands to swell, leading to small raised areas that feel firm but are usually harmless. Skin conditions like eczema or acne can also affect the nipple. In these cases, clogged pores or irritation cause itchy, red, or scaly bumps.

Blocked milk ducts can form hard, painful lumps in people who are breastfeeding. These blockages can sometimes cause tenderness or even lead to infection if not treated. Other causes include cysts or ingrown hairs, which create localized swelling. While often harmless, they may become sore if inflamed.

Sometimes, nipple changes come with other symptoms such as nipple discharge. Discharge may appear clear, milky, or sometimes bloody, depending on the cause. This can signal hormonal changes, infection, or less commonly, a more serious condition.

Cause	How It Leads to Bumps
Montgomery glands	Oil production increases, causing raised spots.
Hormonal changes	Swelling of tissue around the areola.
Skin conditions	Irritation or clogged pores.
Blocked milk ducts	Painful lumps from trapped milk.
Cysts/ingrown hairs	Local swelling and tenderness.

Possible Complications

Most bumps around the nipple are harmless, but some can lead to complications if left untreated. Infections, blocked ducts, or skin irritation may worsen over time and cause pain or swelling. Infection risks include:

Redness and warmth around the area
Pus or fluid discharge
Increased tenderness

If bacteria enter a blocked gland or follicle, an abscess can form. This may need medical drainage or antibiotics. Some bumps may signal underlying breast conditions. While uncommon, changes in nipple skin or persistent lumps can be linked to more serious issues, including Paget’s disease of the nipple or, rarely, breast cancer. Repeated irritation can also cause complications. Friction from clothing or scratching may inflame the bumps or cause scarring.

Possible Complication	What May Happen
Infection	Pain, swelling, pus
Abscess	Collection of fluid that may need drainage
Chronic irritation	Skin thickening or scarring
Underlying disease	Rare, but may involve cancerous changes

Hormonal changes, pregnancy, or breastfeeding can make Montgomery glands more active. If they become blocked, discomfort or infection can follow.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most nipple bumps are harmless, but some changes should be checked by a doctor. Paying attention to new or unusual symptoms can help you know when to seek care. See a doctor if bumps come with:

Ongoing pain or tenderness.
Redness, warmth, or swelling.
Discharge that is bloody, pus-like, or smells bad.
A lump under or near the nipple.
Changes in nipple shape, such as turning inward.

If you have bumps along with fever, chills, or spreading skin redness, you may have an infection. In these cases, see a doctor right away. If a bump does not get better after a few weeks or keeps growing, have a healthcare professional check it. People with a history of breast conditions should be extra careful. If you notice nipple or breast changes that are not normal for you, contact your doctor.

Symptom	Possible Concern	Action
Pain and swelling	Infection or irritation	Schedule appointment
Bloody discharge	Underlying breast condition	See doctor promptly
Hard lump	Possible cyst or growth	Medical evaluation
Fever with bumps	Systemic infection	Immediate care