Montgomery glands are present on both the nipple and the surrounding areola. They contain an oily substance that keeps the nipples soft and supple. What is a Montgomery gland cyst? These periareolar glands are small, papular tissue projections at the edge of the areola nipple. Obstruction of the Montgomery tubercles may result in an acute inflammation, a clear or light brownish fluid may drain out of the areola nipple discharge , and an subareolar mass may develop, the cyst of Montgomery.
Even though these glands may look like pimples on your breast, they are not pimples. Wash your breasts with warm water and avoid soaps that can wash away the protective substance secreted by your Montgomery glands.
The number of these structures on the areola can vary greatly, from none to more than Treatment is almost never necessary, since areolar glands do not represent a pathologic condition. They can be removed or destroyed surgically, by laser, or by electrodessication. In fact, this is one of the most reliable signs of a first pregnancy, but since they do not shrink completely after pregnancy this cannot be depended on as a diagnostic sign for subsequent pregnancies.
Areola reduction surgery is a relatively simple procedure that can reduce the diameter of one or both of your areolas. It can be performed on its own, or together with a breast lift, a breast reduction, or breast augmentation. Montgomery glands are normal skin glands that appear as small, painless bumps on the areola, which is the area of darkened skin around the nipple.
The Montgomery glands should not be pushed or squeezed, as this can lead to irritation or infection. As long as your nipples and areola are soft and healthy, leave the Montgomery glands alone. If a plug appears at the nipple looks like a cheesy whitehead , soak the breast in warm water and Epsom salts. Then place a cotton ball soaked in warm olive oil against the nipple bleb for 5 minutes to soften the plug.
Gently rub the plug to remove the top layer of skin, and then try to force the plug out. The key to getting milk to flow from mature breast tissue, either moments after childbirth or years later, is to stimulate the nipple. Yes, it is totally normal to have small bumps on the dark skin around the nipple the areola. The bumps are called Montgomery tubercles; they secrete oil produced by glands beneath the skin that helps lubricate the areola and nipple during pregnancy and lactation.
During puberty, your ovaries begin producing the female hormone estrogen. This causes your nipples to grow and your areolas to darken.
Areolas are part of your skin, which means they can stretch. When you gain weight and your breasts get bigger , your areolas may grow, too. The color of your areola changes naturally over time, which you might have noticed because your areolae darkened when you hit puberty. However, your areolae can change color in adulthood, and not just when you get pregnant although this is the most common time for it to happen. They can also appear on the nipple itself. They usually look like goosebumps.
The size and number of tubercles varies for each person. Pregnant women may notice between two and 28 tubercles per nipple, or more. Breast changes are often an early pregnancy symptom. If you notice these bumps and have other pregnancy symptoms, you should take a home pregnancy test. Other early symptoms of pregnancy may include:. Later in pregnancy, you may notice increasing tubercles on your nipples as your body prepares for breastfeeding.
Your nipples may become darker and larger as your pregnancy progresses. This is completely normal and not cause for concern. These glands secrete an antibacterial oil. This oil serves an important purpose to moisten and protect the nipples during breastfeeding. Also avoid any disinfectants or other substances that could dry or damage the area around your nipples. Instead, just rinse your breasts with water during your daily shower. If you notice any drying or cracking, apply a few drops of healing lanolin.
Avoid non-breathable plastic lining in bra pads or in your nursing bra. Look out for redness or painful swelling around the nipple area. See your doctor if you notice these or any other unusual changes. Let your doctor know if you experience any itching or a rash, as they may be symptoms of a yeast infection. See your doctor right away if you notice any blood or pus.
In rare cases, changes in appearance around the nipple area may be a symptom of breast cancer. Notify your doctor right away if you notice any other symptoms of breast cancer , including:. The tubercles will usually shrink or disappear completely on their own following pregnancy and breastfeeding.
This is a cosmetic option, and may be recommended if they are causing pain or inflammation. This is an outpatient procedure that takes around 30 minutes. Hospitalization is not usually required. You will likely notice scarring after the procedure. Work with your doctor to determine if this is the best option for you. To keep the area free from infection and inflammation:. This may affect your ability to breastfeed later on. See your doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms or redness, inflammation, or bleeding around the nipples.
Also let your doctor know about any pain you might be experiencing. White spots on your nipples are usually harmless. Here's what may be causing them and what you can do to ease your symptoms.
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