The mammary gland, like other glands of the human body, is capable of secreting secretions. This can lead to nipple discharge when the breasts are pressed or even when the breasts are not touched. In this case, the secretions come out through the same ducts as breast milk in nursing women.
Many women are very frightened when they discover that a liquid or thicker consistency secretion is released from the nipple of one or both breasts. Some people immediately suspect that they have serious diseases such as breast cancer! However, in most cases, nipple discharge when pressed is not a sign of such a serious pathology.
How do blackheads on the chest form?
Morphologically, blackheads on the skin can be divided into two large categories:
- associated with blockage of hair follicles;
- formed as a result of local excess melanin synthesis.
Normally, sebum is secreted from the corresponding gland into the hair funnel, and from there it comes out.
With its excessive formation and increase in viscosity, fat accumulates in the epidermis around the hair, and small hard papules appear on the skin. This is how two types of comedones arise:
- Closed. They have the appearance of whitish papules that are prone to infection with subsequent formation of pimples.
- Open. They look like widened mouths of the hair funnel with a large amount of fat and dead epidermal cells. Due to excess melanin in the secretion of the glands, such comedones look like dense blackheads.
Any formations on the chest in the form of black dots must be monitored, because they can become infected and inflamed, and age spots can also degenerate into neoplasms.
Question to the expert
After 40 years, a rash in the form of 10-15 black dots appeared under my breasts. They do not protrude above the skin, but they do not disappear either. I tried to remove them and cleanse the skin with scrubs and creams, but to no avail. The mammary gland does not hurt. Is it possible to somehow squeeze out such black dots on the chest?
It is possible that you have pigment spots due to hormonal changes. If their number is not growing and they do not bother you, then you should not try to remove them. If there are suspicious changes in blackheads in the future, contact your oncologist.
Spots of other colors and causes
The appearance of reddish or brownish spots is associated with mechanical trauma to the nipple. Cracks and redness may occur when breastfeeding a baby. The nipple is irritated by intense motor movements of the baby's mouth and the incorrect position of the baby's gums. Underwear can also cause reddening of the nipple.
Red spots often occur with breast cancer. This is due to damage to the skin and the development of non-plastic pathology. The cancer in this case is eczema-like in nature. Light, black, red or brownish spots appear on the nipple.
Neurodermatitis is another reason for the appearance of spots on the nipple or its areola. The disease is accompanied by burning, pain, and discomfort. Red spots may not have clear boundaries. The inflammatory process can occur due to insufficient breast hygiene during the hot season. Due to the accumulation of sweat, bacteria attack the epidermis and penetrate into the nipple and areola. Inflammation may be accompanied by suppuration.
Black spots on the chest - what to do?
If black comedones appear on the chest, there is no need to worry, because this cosmetic problem can usually be solved without drug treatment. If rashes occur all over the body, and not just on the chest, then this is a reason to consult an endocrinologist and dermatologist.
If there are internal causes of black spots on the chest, you cannot do without medical advice, because they will appear again and again until the disease that caused them is eliminated. If you have a few dark spots that don’t bother you, you can eliminate them yourself with the help of hygiene and cosmetic products.
If black spots appear on the breasts of pregnant women, it is better to consult a mammologist. After all, the skin of a growing female breast in this period is thinned, permeable and sensitive to external influences. Cosmetic creams, ointments and scrubs may not help against black comedones, but they can easily harm the susceptible mammary gland.
If the occurrence of comedones is of an allergic nature, their elimination boils down to stopping skin contact with the allergen. You can take antihistamines for several days to speed up the restoration of the skin to its normal state.
If black spots on the chest often appear among relatives, then it is quite difficult to influence their occurrence in a girl. It is almost impossible to combat the formation of comedones, which are caused by heredity. In such cases, all that remains is to prevent infection and regularly clean the skin.
Question to the expert
During my seventh month, black spots appeared on my chest during pregnancy. They cover the entire right breast above the areola. For some reason there are no rashes on my nipples. I squeezed out one of these - a thick white substance came out, but not pus. How can I treat my problem at home?
You most likely have open comedones. It is necessary to see a mammologist to assess the extent of the rash, its condition and prescribe treatment. During pregnancy, hygiene procedures are mainly indicated, because medical and salon methods can have a negative impact on the breasts.
Causes of white spots on nipples
Sometimes a woman notices that convex white dots or spots have appeared on the delicate skin of the papilla. A white spot on the nipple can occur for various reasons. The most common pathologies are accompanied by:
- hormonal changes
- dermatological diseases
- gynecological problems
You should not make a diagnosis yourself. A medical examination and consultation with a medical specialist will help identify the causes of the appearance of white spots.
Blocked duct
White dots on the skin may indicate a blockage of the milk duct. This problem sometimes occurs when breastfeeding. It happens that mother's milk accumulates in the gland duct and prevents the rest of the biofluid from leaving. This can happen if the gap between feedings is too long. A white bubble forms on the surface of the nipple. It should not be squeezed out.
The baby can be breastfed after a number of manipulations have been carried out:
- You should gently steam your breasts in warm water.
- Use a soft towel to massage the gland.
- Rub the nipple and lubricate it with sterilized oil.
Only after the above steps are carried out, the baby is applied to the breast. Gently press on the chest. You should also try expressing milk. A breast pump is used for this purpose. If the actions are performed correctly, the problem will be solved.
Thrush
The disease occurs due to the penetration of a fungal infection. Candida fungi affect the nipples and neighboring areas. When the disease occurs, the nipples initially turn pink, after which a white coating forms on their surface. Candidiasis is manifested by unbearable itching, swelling of the areola and nipple, and breast tenderness. Pain may occur during feeding or between feedings. Thrush most often affects the nipples if vaginal candidiasis is present. You need to pay attention if a cheesy white discharge appears from the vagina.
A fungal infection penetrates the nipple through microcracks and pores. Nipple candidiasis often occurs during breastfeeding. A mother can acquire the infection while caring for a baby with diaper rash. For hygienic purposes, a nursing mother should use special pads that should be placed in the bra. The inserts will absorb the secreted milk and will not irritate the nipples. Candidiasis can be caused not only by poor hygiene. Diabetes mellitus, obesity, and anemia can accompany the development of infection. To eliminate the problem, the doctor will recommend the use of antifungal ointment.
Fordyce granules
Fordyce granules may form on the nipples. These growths are not a pathology, but require constant medical supervision. White light formations are small in size. The nodules do not hurt and will not cause discomfort to the woman.
The formations are localized at the border of the areola. Growths occur both on one gland and on two. When pressed, a white thick mass usually releases from the nodule. The cause of the appearance of nodules can be a sebaceous cyst.
Acne
If white spots appear on the nipple, you should check your hormonal levels. Common acne may appear on the nipple and its areola if hormonal changes occur in the body. Wearing a low-quality bra often provokes the appearance of white acne on the nipple. Pimples look unattractive and not aesthetically pleasing, but other than an aesthetic defect they do not pose a threat to health. If pimples on the nipple cause burning and inflammation, measures are taken to eliminate them. Therapy includes the use of anti-inflammatory and hormonal agents.
Acne can occur due to keratinization of the epidermis. The keratinized upper particles of the skin irritate the delicate skin, causing whitish or red pimples.
Blockage of the sebaceous glands
Montgomery's nodes can become clogged. In this case, small white nodules form on the areola. They resemble small pimples. Very often, the glands begin to function intensively during pregnancy. During this period, pigmentation on the nipples and areola may change, or white spots may appear. Small bumps on the nipple can be painful.
When clogged, Montgomery's nodules become similar to teenage acne. When pressed, a brown or greenish secretion may be released from the blisters.
Under no circumstances should you squeeze pimples on the nipple - you can cause an infection.
White spots during pregnancy
Changes in nipple pigmentation occur early on. The mammary glands begin intensive preparation for feeding the baby. The breasts become heavier and fuller, increase in size, and become very sensitive.
During pregnancy, white dots often appear on the nipples. Pigment spots of red, white or dark colors are found on the surface of the nipple. What is the reason for this phenomenon? Nipples become more sensitive during pregnancy. In the mammary glands of a pregnant woman, adipose tissue begins to predominate. Breasts enlarge when carrying a child.
All these changes are caused by increased production of hormones. The condition of the nipples is affected by decreased immunity, concomitant diseases and infections. If the white spots on the nipples do not cause concern and are few in number, then there is no threat to health. After childbirth and breastfeeding, age spots and white spots will disappear. Nipple pigmentation will return to normal.
How to get rid of blackheads on chest
It is important to use exactly those methods of getting rid of dark spots on the chest that will eliminate the cause of the problem. All methods can be divided into several categories, depending on the place of their application.
Medicinal methods for eliminating blackheads on the chest
For the treatment of black comedones, medicine can only offer keratolytic agents. Medicines to treat the causes that caused the appearance of blackheads should not be taken into account, because they do not affect the comedones themselves.
The most effective keratolytic drugs and chemical compounds are:
- benzoic acid;
- resorcinol;
- salicylic acid;
- glycolic acid;
- barium sulphide;
- salicylic alcohol;
- skinoren;
- natural and artificial aromatic retinoids.
There are many pharmaceutical ointments and creams that contain combinations of these substances and additional components. Often, antiseptic, regenerating and anti-inflammatory agents are added to these drugs.
Pashkova Alla Valerievna
Obstetrician-gynecologist, candidate of medical sciences.
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Keratolytic substances help to liquefy the secretion of the sebaceous glands and destroy intercellular connections between epidermal cells. As a result, comedones are cleared naturally. The disadvantage of these drugs is that the effect is temporary, because when you stop using them, comedones will continue to form with the same frequency.
Cosmetic procedures to eliminate blackheads
Cosmetic salons are happy to undertake the removal of blackheads. Methods for eliminating them are divided into hardware and manual. Hardware methods include:
- Ultrasonic removal. Before the procedure, the skin is cleansed with keratolytic creams, after which the release of secretions from the sebaceous glands is stimulated using a special ultrasonic device.
- Vacuum extraction of sebum. In fact, the principle of a vacuum cleaner is used, due to which the contents of the sebaceous glands are drawn out.
Hardware uses forced extraction of sebum and is used to quickly cleanse the skin. They are effective, but not available in every city.
Also, salons can offer several methods for eliminating blackheads without the use of equipment.
- Peeling with scrubs and masks.
- Squeezing out comedones using a professional tool.
It is advisable that the staff of the cosmetology salon have a medical education. Black spots on the chest can have a wide variety of origins, so a cosmetologist must be able to recognize various skin pathologies and prescribe the necessary treatment for each case.
What diseases are dangerous?
The spots are a symptom of a developing pathology. Red, brown, and white dots can be caused by:
- herpes
- psoriasis
- fungus
- impetigo
- inflammation
- dermatitis
- cancer
As the inflammatory process develops, the uneven vesicle is filled with yellow serous fluid. The spot may hurt. Neurodermatitis is associated with neuroendocrine disorders. The pathogenesis of redness is caused by changes in the functions of the central nervous system and impaired functioning of the endocrine glands. Certain reactions begin in the body. The result is redness of the areola and nipple. Symptoms of the pathology are hyperemia of the skin, unstable emotions of the patient, and a burning sensation in the chest.
The inflammatory process in the nipples is often associated with a lack of necessary anti-inflammatory substances in the body. Cortisone deficiency sometimes causes the nipples to become sore and red. The pathology is associated with the penetration of staphylococci into the nipple. The disease is caused by microtraumas of the nipple and the accumulation of biofluid.
The psoriatic process develops due to decreased immunity and endocrine disorders. The spots can also be of viral etiology. It is important to correctly determine the root cause of spots on the nipple. The appearance of the spot is accompanied by signs - the nipple may itch and peel.
Impetigo is a disease that affects the nipples and areola. The disease develops due to infection. Pus accumulates in the vesicle, and the pink spot on top becomes covered with a crust. Such conflicts merge into a single speck.
What to do
The problem should be dealt with by a qualified doctor. Taking antibiotics helps stop inflammation. Additional immunostimulants and sedatives are prescribed. In some cases, it is recommended to steam and massage the breasts. Hormonal correction also helps get rid of spots. Treatment with drugs is carried out under the supervision of physicians.
If stains and irritation are due to improperly fitted underwear, you should change your bra. The product is selected according to its size. The bra should support the bust and not tighten it.
It is important to remember that redness may be due to heat rash. The glands should be washed with warm water daily. Taking a shower will help wash away accumulated sweat and prevent the proliferation of bacterial flora. Water procedures must be carried out without the use of soap, which can irritate the delicate nipple and cause allergies. You need to take care of your mammary glands every day.
