Nipple redness

Redness of the nipples can be a signal with different etiologies.

Inflammatory process, mechanical trauma, allergic reaction, dermatitis, lactostasis symptom, as well as a sign of developing oncopathology - this is far from a complete list of reasons for redness 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 redness of the nipples.

[ 1 ]

Causes nipple redness

The causes of nipple redness are identified by timely consultation with a doctor (mammologist, gynecologist, obstetrician, oncologist). The symptom itself - nipple redness is not always the basis for determining the disease, so a woman needs an examination, a consultation and, possibly, some types of diagnostics related to instrumental examination, tests. Among the causes of redness of the areola of the nipple, the following are most common:

• If a woman is breastfeeding, the most common causes are:
  1. Mechanical trauma to the nipple. This may be due to the baby being in the wrong position during feeding, the baby's bite not forming correctly, or wearing uncomfortable underwear.
  2. When breastfeeding, a common cause of reddened nipples is candidiasis, which develops simultaneously with the baby's infection with a fungal infection.
  3. Stagnation of mother's milk in the ducts of the mammary gland can also provoke redness in the nipple area. Lactostasis is caused by a disturbance in the rhythm of milk inflow and outflow, redness is often caused by stagnation.
• If a woman is not in the category of women in labor, the cause of reddened nipples, first of all, should be sought in an incorrectly selected bra. Mechanical friction provokes skin irritation and its hyperemia.
• The causes of reddening of the nipples may have an allergic etiology. In turn, an allergic reaction is a response to such factors:
  1. Synthetic underwear.
  2. Linen washed with synthetic fragrances and washing powders.
  3. Allergy to aerosol antiperspirants.
  4. Irritation from poor quality body cream.
  5. Food allergy (the areola of the nipple rarely reacts to such a factor).
• Impetigo scabiosa - impetigo or rashes associated with staph infection. Impetigo in the nipple area is quite rare and is most often preceded by dermatitis or even contact scabies.
• Inflammation of the glands around the nipple (Montgomery tubercles, glandulae areolares).
• Nipple psoriasis. This is an allergic autoimmune disease, accompanied by burning, redness of the areola and the nipple itself. Reddish spots, as a rule, do not have clear outlines, and at the beginning of the disease may not cause discomfort (pain or itching).
• Herpetic infection, most often it is HSV1 (herpes virus 1). Redness of the nipples quickly transforms into the formation of characteristic herpetic vesicles.
• Periareolar atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis.
• Eczema-like breast cancer. In 90-95%, Paget's disease is combined with another type of breast cancer. Most often, this disease is diagnosed in mature women, but in general, such neoplastic pathology is quite rare - no more than 5% of all identified breast cancers.

[ 2 ]

Pathogenesis

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

1. Dermatitis, neurodermatitis. Almost all types of neurodermatitis are associated with neuroendocrine pathologies. The pathogenesis of reddening of the nipples caused by neurodermatitis is due to changes in the functioning of the nervous system, as well as disruption of the endocrine glands, metabolism, and, less often, environmental factors. Dysfunctions of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system trigger a cascade of reactions, one of the final consequences of which may be reddening of the areola of the nipples of the breast. As a symptom, hyperemia and itching of the nipples is not always stable; it largely depends on the psychoemotional state of the patient. Dysfunction of the adrenal glands is not, in fact, the root cause, but rather a consequence and result of exhaustion after constant intense "stressful" processing of certain hormones. Anti-inflammatory substances such as cortisone are produced in minimal quantities, which allows the inflammatory process to develop unhindered. It should be noted that with neurodermatitis, the thyroid gland functions in an enhanced mode with simultaneous dysfunction of the sex glands.
2. Redness of the nipples caused by a streptococcal or staphylococcal infection ( impetigo ). The pathogenesis of the disease is associated with microtrauma or excessive accumulation of fluid in the sensitive skin of the areola of the nipples (maceration). Impetigo of the areola is most often diagnosed in the hot season, when coccal infections are especially active. This disease mainly affects young women. Impetigo is considered a contact form of dermatoinfection, if we talk about infection of the nipples, then it can be transmitted through contaminated clothing, underwear. Enzymes of infectious agents penetrate into microcracks, bind the intercellular substances of the skin surface, then redness appears, and characteristic rashes (phlyctenes) are formed. Inflammation of the vesicle is accompanied by the accumulation of pus in it and the growth of a specific crust. Phlyctenes often merge into a single spot, which is a clinical sign of impetigo (circinate ring). The disease develops over 4 weeks, after the crusts form and fall off, barely noticeable traces remain on the skin. After treatment, the areola of the nipples does not suffer in a cosmetic sense, there are no scars on the skin.
3. Psoriasis that develops in the nipple area, like other types of psoriasis, does not have a clear pathogenetic description. The etiology of the disease is still being studied, doctors have not yet established a single cause. Reddening of the nipples with psoriasis passes quite quickly, giving way to another symptom - the formation of psoriatic plaques. From a morphological point of view, psoriatic changes are associated with an incorrect process of division of epidermal cells. This is a complex systemic process, most often caused by a genetic factor. Changes in this process can also be explained by the following reasons:
   • Immune disorders.
   • Viral etiology.
   • Neurogenic factors.
   • Disruption of the endocrine system.
   • Metabolic disorder.
   • Genetic factor.
   • Parasitic diseases.
4. Eczema of the nipples of the breast. The pathogenesis of this disease is complex and consists of multiple stages of disorders in all vital systems. It is believed that the trigger factor for the development or attenuation of eczema is genetics and the work of the central nervous system. Reddening of the nipples of the breast as a symptom of eczema can develop with nervous stress, a relapse of the disease often occurs against the background of severe fatigue or mental trauma. Studies have shown that a mother with a history of eczema, including in the nipple area, in 35-40% of cases passes this condition on to her child. If both parents suffer from eczema, their children risk "inheriting" the disease in 55-60% of cases. Pathogenetically, eczematous inflammation is caused by a delayed-type allergic reaction, this is a consequence of immunodeficiency in the cellular, phagocytic and humoral links.
5. Breast nipple cancer. Pathogenesis of Paget's disease is a primary oncopathology of the ducts of the mammary gland, in which cancer spreads to the epidermis. The process can be in an invasive form, as well as in situ (intraepithelial cancer). Eczema-like redness of the nipples always develops with an increase in the intraductal tumor in the mammary gland. When examining the ducts, Paget's cells are found - characteristic neoplastic cells with an enlarged nucleus and weakly stained cytoplasm. Nipple cancer is diagnosed quite rarely, more often in women after 50 years, less often in young patients, and also in men.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Symptoms nipple redness

Symptoms of reddened 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 manifest itself as reddening of the areola or the nipple itself, but this is extremely rare.

The most common symptoms are associated with the following conditions:

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

If a woman experiences any worrying symptoms, including reddened nipples, she should seek medical advice and a full breast examination to determine the cause as soon as possible.

Redness around the nipple

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

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

• Nipple eczema. Redness is the initial stage, which does not last long. The process develops quite quickly and is accompanied by the appearance of hyperemic skin lesions. The patient feels severe itching, burning with any touch or mechanical impact on the skin of the breast. 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 wet 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. Advanced forms of mechanical trauma 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. The cause may also be the incorrect position of the baby during feeding, the bite of the teeth of a 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 a 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 development of fungal skin lesions. Later, after hyperemia, the woman experiences a painful sensation, especially during feeding the baby. The skin of the nipples acquires a characteristic red color with a white coating, shines and is very irritated.
• Redness around one nipple with the other one being completely healthy and unchanged is a serious symptom indicating the risk of oncopathology. Paget's cancer often does not manifest itself in the initial stage with clinical signs; the pathology can be determined already when there is redness of the nipple, irritation of the skin of the areola. Most often, this disease affects one breast, however, bilateral cases are also encountered in the practice of doctors. Burning around the nipple, serous discharge, change in the shape of the nipple - this 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, it is irritation of the areola (the area near the nipple). Mechanical causes (tight underwear), trauma (bruise, fall) and other "everyday" factors can provoke temporary redness of the nipples. Redness also occurs in nursing mothers if they have not prepared their mammary glands for the feeding process in time. However, hyperemia, redness near the nipples can be a cause for concern, and this is due to the following reasons:

• Redness near the nipple associated with carrying a child. During this period, many systems of the woman's body change their mode of operation. Painful 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, general sensitivity increases, breast tissue, ducts begin to "prepare" for childbirth. Any friction (uncomfortable clothing, underwear), mechanical irritation (carefully performed hygiene procedures) can cause both hyperemia and pain.
• Redness may form near the nipple, and then wet, pink blisters with thrush. The areola looks like a solid irritated spot, the nipples swell and hurt. Candidiasis is usually associated with an existing fungal disease of the nursing mother (oral or vaginal candidiasis).
• Redness near the nipple can be caused by incorrect feeding technique, when the baby is put to the breast in such a way that the nipple is grabbed and injured.
• Mastitis is also a factor that provokes redness near the nipple. This inflammatory process most often develops against the background of stagnation of breast milk (lactostasis). Signs of incipient mastitis are pain in all mammary glands, there may be redness near the nipple, and an elevated body temperature.
• Fibrocystic mastopathy periodically manifests itself with signs similar to mastitis. Pain appears in the chest and in the nipple area, the areola changes color, sensitivity. This disease is diagnosed in women before the monthly cycle (i.e. 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 change in the color of the skin near the nipple or deformation of the nipple itself should make a woman immediately consult a doctor for a thorough examination and identification of the cause of the disease.

Pain and redness of the nipple

What can cause nipple pain and redness?

• Puberty of a girl. At puberty, the hormonal system is rebuilt 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 them.
• Pregnancy. During the period of waiting for the birth of the baby, literally everything changes in the body of the expectant mother. Pain and redness of the nipple can be caused by increased sensitivity of the gland itself, blood flow and an increase in the size of the ducts. The cause may also be an increased level of prolactin.
• PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Hormonal cyclical 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 menstruation. Pain and redness in such cases are considered physiologically acceptable and pass with the onset of menstruation itself.
• The period of breastfeeding a newborn. This is the time of "work" of the mammary glands in general, if they were not prepared in advance, then painful sensations in the nipples, redness can be a consequence. In addition, during the period of breastfeeding, pain in the nipples can occur due to the appearance of a "milk bubble" (blockage of the duct). In turn, blockage carries the risk of developing lactostasis. Therefore, persistent pain, redness of the nipple should not be ignored, you should consult an obstetrician, gynecologist and adjust 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 breast and 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 should be made by a doctor after an examination.
• Purulent mastitis as an inflammatory process in acute form can also cause pain and redness of the nipples.
• Intraductal (intraductal) papilloma is a benign small tumor process that can develop in women no older than 50-55 years. The first symptom is considered to be any amount of purulent discharge from the nipple, but secondary signs can also be pain at the site of papilloma growth, redness of the areola of the nipple and painful sensations in the nipple itself.
• An inflammatory process in the milk duct that is not related to pregnancy and childbirth is ectasia. Pain and redness in the nipple area are some of the clinical manifestations of inflammation.
• RMZh (breast cancer). To prevent the development of the oncological process, any discomfort in the chest area should be monitored and immediately consult 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 the disease, which is localized in the chest area.
• Herpetic viral infection in the mammary gland area most often affects the nipples. They develop rashes, specific characteristic blisters, pain appears, the skin of the nipples becomes bright red.

Redness and lump in the nipple

Redness at the nipple, compaction can be caused by accumulation of either lipid cells or a sign of the beginning of a 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 combination with a dense structure of the breast part is a reason for immediate contact with a doctor and a comprehensive examination.

Let's list some factors that can provoke redness in the nipple area and its hardening:

• Atheroma or retention cyst of the sebaceous gland. The skin in the areola of the nipple is rich in glands, including sebaceous glands. 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 a barely noticeable duct in the nipple area. The disease is not life-threatening for a woman, it is quite rare in the nipple area, but atheroma is prone to inflammation, can become purulent and often recurs.
• Another type of atheroma is galactocele or congestion and subsequent blockage of the milk duct in women who breastfeed.
• Cystaden papilloma or intraductal papilloma. A small benign neoplasm that resembles a cyst. Such papillomas can form in all breast sectors and parts of the nipple where there are ducts. Papillary cystadenoma can be single (solitary) or multiple. If not treated in a timely manner, papilloma can provoke an intraductal oncological process. Therefore, compaction and redness of the nipple are a signal to begin examination and treatment.
• Fibrocystic mastopathy can also cause pain and redness at the nipple. The disease is characterized by the fact that a woman begins to examine (palpate) her breasts on her own and discovers a lump in one of the sectors, possibly closer to the nipple. These manifestations require a doctor's consultation, diagnosis and treatment.
• Hardening and reddening of the nipple is quite common in breastfeeding women. This condition is considered temporary and is associated with incorrect feeding techniques, as well as natural hormonal changes in the body.
• Pregnancy can be a factor that provokes redness, enlargement of the mammary glands and nipples. The nipples can become denser and more sensitive. These are acceptable symptoms of the general restructuring of the expectant mother's systems.
• Mastitis. In addition to a hyperemic nipple, painful sensations and a clearly palpable lump, mastitis may be accompanied by high body temperature, headache and general malaise. Treatment consists of neutralizing stagnant processes in the lymphatic system and in the mammary gland as a whole.

Itching and redness of the nipples

Itching and redness of the nipples is an uncomfortable and disturbing condition for women. If the redness of the nipple is accompanied by burning and itching, then we can safely talk about at least 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 a doctor - a mammologist, gynecologist or dermatologist.

If the symptoms are transient and disappear with a simple change from synthetic underwear and clothing to comfortable cotton items, 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 (artificial) – develops only at the site of contact with the irritant.

It is quite easy to distinguish between these skin diseases, especially in the initial stage.

1. Contact (simple) dermatitis is characterized by a clear localization of symptoms, i.e. 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.
2. An allergic reaction on the skin of the nipples is characterized by a brighter, red color. Specific blisters (vesicles) appear on the skin of the nipple, which itch a lot when opened.

Redness and itching can also be symptoms of developing nipple eczema.

How to identify signs of eczema?

• Redness, erythema, itching.
• Formation of small papules (specific nodules) and spots on the skin of the nipple.
• Papules transform into fluid-filled blisters (vesicles).
• The fluid in the vesicles becomes purulent, and the bubbles progress to the pustular stage.
• The vesicular formations become wet, the redness increases, the skin of the nipple becomes inflamed and covered with a crust.
• The process of a peculiar restoration of the skin in eczema is characterized by the formation of scales and keratinized elements.

Atypical nipple coloration and itching may be due to the following reasons:

• fungal skin infection, most often this occurs during breastfeeding in the presence of Candida albicans fungi in the baby's mouth.
• dilation of the mammary gland ducts, when in addition to hyperemia in the areola, a woman notes discharge, swelling and deformation of the nipple.

It should be taken into account 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 alarming 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 a woman's body is undergoing hormonal changes - pregnancy, menopause. The areola is the skin surrounding the nipple, the color of the skin can vary from red to dark brown. Pigmentation is the "work" of melanin, which in turn also consists of several components - pheomelanin and zumelin, their ratio affects the shade of the areola of the nipple.

The color of the areola depends on many factors:

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

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

1. Pregnancy and change in the color of the nipple itself, including the areola, is the most common cause. Redness of the areola can be caused by intensive production of melanocytes, which are also interconnected with the hormonal system.
2. Elementary irritation of the skin around the nipple. The cause is incorrect attachment of the baby to the breast during feeding and injury to the delicate skin of the areola.
3. Using an incorrectly selected breast pump while breastfeeding a newborn baby.
4. Often, redness of the areola of the nipple is caused by a rather joyful event in the life of the mother and baby, associated with the eruption of the first teeth. Inevitable irritation of the nipples, the skin around them is a kind of "payment" for the baby's growing up. Fortunately, such a period does not last long, and the child grows up, and the nursing mother, as a rule, quickly adapts to the new feeding technique
5. Intoxication of the whole organism, often drug-induced. 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 areola of the nipples as an allergic reaction.
6. Candidiasis during breastfeeding of 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.
7. Eczema is a fairly rare disease in the mammary glands. However, advanced cases can produce similar symptoms when eczematous inflammation affects both the nipple and areola
8. Herpes. The viral infection most often manifests itself in the nipple area, but the areola can also be subject to the pathological process and change its color.
9. Atopic dermatitis combined with dry skin of the nipple and areola is characterized by typical redness, itching and the appearance of microcracks on the nipple.
10. Breast cancer. Redness of the nipple and its areola are very similar to signs of eczema or psoriasis. Early symptoms of cancer are not very obvious externally, which is what makes it dangerous. Therefore, with any atypical manifestations on the chest, in the area of the nipples, areolas, a woman should consult a doctor as soon as possible to exclude oncology or begin treating it at an early stage. Paget's cancer can manifest itself in three forms:
    • Change in color and dermatological symptoms in the nipple-areolar area.
    • Redness of the areola of the nipple combined with a change in shape.
    • Oncologic process in the mammary gland itself without clinical manifestations in the nipple and areola area. Redness, burning in the nipple and surrounding tissues are usually a sign of an advanced process.

It should also be taken into account that Paget's disease almost never affects both mammary glands. If redness of the areola, itching, pain are observed only in one breast, it is necessary to immediately undergo examination and begin treatment.

Redness of nipples during pregnancy

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

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

What exactly happens to the mammary gland during pregnancy?

• Increased brightness of the color of the nipple and its areola.
• A so-called secondary areola may appear, containing Montgomery glands (bumps that disappear over time after birth).

What symptoms may accompany red nipples during pregnancy?

• Minor pain associated with the enlargement of both the breast and the nipple.
• Often the skin of the nipples itches and scratches, this is caused by growth, enlargement of the mammary gland and stretching of the delicate skin.
• Change in the size and shape of the nipples.
• The skin of the nipples may become drier and prone to cracking. This condition requires treatment with harmless, neutral moisturizing creams, ointments.
• The areola of the nipple may be slightly darker than the nipple itself.
• The skin of the nipples becomes more sensitive and reacts to any irritating factor. However, it is during this period that a woman needs to prepare her breasts and nipples for the period of breastfeeding, so there is no need to worry about the aggravation of sensations. On the contrary, the mammary glands should be “trained” by performing the procedures recommended by the doctor.

What symptoms should an expectant mother see a doctor immediately?

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

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

Redness of nipples during feeding

Reddening of the nipples during feeding is considered a fairly common occurrence. In most cases, this is due to improper preparation of the breast during pregnancy, individual characteristics of the skin of the mammary glands, and failure to comply with feeding techniques.

Let's look at how the process of feeding a baby occurs in order to better understand how to avoid red nipples during feeding.

Breast milk production is a process of active formation of a specific secretory fluid. In order to have enough milk, the mammary gland increases in size 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 lactation period. During the feeding stage, the nipple is subject to additional stress, becomes denser, thickens, and its color changes due to these changes. Such phenomena are considered acceptable if the skin of the nipple remains elastic, does not crack and, in principle, does not cause discomfort to the woman.

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

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

Redness of the nipples during feeding can also be caused by other factors:

• Abrasions and cracks are inevitably accompanied by reddening of the nipples during feeding. The cause may be abnormalities in the shape of the nipple itself (flat), dry skin, or incorrect technique of attaching the baby to the mammary gland. Cracks heal fairly quickly with proper treatment, but advanced conditions can lead to infection and inflammation.
• Lactostasis. This is not a pathology, not a disease, but a stagnant process, 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 detected during palpation. The state of milk stagnation can lead to an inflammatory process, up to mastitis. Therefore, at any signs of lactostasis, a nursing mother needs to self-massage her breasts, and even better - consult a doctor.
• Redness of the nipples during feeding, together with changes in the areola, swelling of the breast, pain, may indicate mastitis or mastopathy. In mastopathy, redness of the nipples may be combined with their slight retraction, but without obvious changes in shape.
• Allergic reaction if the nursing mother has a history of allergies. Reddening of the nipples during feeding due to allergies is a reason to see a doctor, temporarily stop feeding and receive adequate treatment, taking into account that the need to feed the baby should come first (taking antihistamines is undesirable, the woman's diet should be reviewed, and the trigger for the reaction should be found and eliminated).
• If a woman uses a low-quality breast pump, 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, and it is often oral candidiasis of the infant that causes redness of the mother's nipples.
• Very rarely, redness of the nipples and areola during breastfeeding may indicate Paget's disease. This disease is quite rare among breast diseases in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Complications and consequences

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

If reddening of the nipples is associated with physiological changes - pregnancy, menopause, breastfeeding, the consequences do not bother the woman because they are practically non-existent. The red tint of the nipples and areola usually disappears, giving way to the normal color of the skin.

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

However, symptoms that are not diagnosed in a timely manner and do not receive adequate treatment can lead to serious illnesses, including cancer.

Let us list some of the most dangerous consequences for women’s health:

• Nipple melanoma, the symptoms of which are very similar to common dermatitis. In addition to reddening of the nipples, there may be itching, irritation of the skin of the areola, peeling. Often, a woman begins to treat her nipples, believing that she is neutralizing a transient allergic reaction. The result can really be achieved, the symptoms subside for only a few days, but then return again and worsen. Relapses of reddening of the nipples, peeling of the skin become more frequent, pain, a burning sensation in the nipple and atypical discharge from it appear. The diagnosis of the oncological process is refuted or confirmed by a biopsy. The consequences of a disease that is not detected in a timely manner can be deplorable, therefore, with any alarming signs appearing in the mammary gland area, a woman needs to consult a doctor and immediately begin treatment.
• Nipple cancer or Paget's cancer. In the advanced stage, the areola changes color, the skin becomes dark red, peels, and becomes covered with a characteristic crust. Nipple cancer most often affects one breast, this is its specific symptom. Therefore, if a woman notices nipple redness only on one mammary gland, she should immediately contact a mammologist or oncologist. Timely diagnosis of the disease and initiation of therapy significantly increases the chances of recovery and reduces the risk of negative consequences.
• Mastopathy. Its consequences are the return of symptoms, i.e. 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 imbalances 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 moving to a critical stage. Serious consequences can only be prevented through regular breast examinations by a mammologist and timely initiation of adequate treatment.
• Eczema, neurodermatitis of the nipple. Its consequences often bring psychological discomfort, as the color, sometimes the shape and appearance of the nipple, areola are disturbed. For a woman, this not quite aesthetic sight can be a reason for a low mood, even depressive. 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, compliance with all medical recommendations, the skin recovers quite quickly, the redness of the nipples goes away. If neurodermatitis is long-term in a severe form, recurs, the appearance of the nipple and areola can be corrected 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.

[ 5 ]

Complications

Complications with reddened nipples are, as a rule, an advanced form of oncological disease. All other types of complications are not threatening, although they can cause quite unpleasant sensations, discomfort and visually look unaesthetic. If you start treating reddened nipples in time, properly care for the skin, follow all the doctor's recommendations and maintain personal hygiene, complications can be corrected, and difficult cases are corrected with the help of cosmetic procedures or minimally invasive surgeries.

What can provoke complications: and what they can be:

• Thrush. A complication can be considered 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.
• Milk ducts can become clogged if reddened nipples are a symptom of mastitis. Changing the feeding regimen can help reduce the severity of the complication; it must be agreed with the attending physician. Clogging is not considered a serious consequence, but it leads to refusal of breastfeeding, and this in turn is undesirable for the baby (everyone knows that mother's milk is the best means for strengthening the immune and other systems of a newborn child).
• Cracks in the skin of the nipples are 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 mammary gland (mastitis). In addition, Candida gets into the nipple through cracks, respectively, there is a "field" for the development of thrush, which is treated in a complex manner - therapy is indicated for both the mother and the child.
• Mastitis, which may cause reddening of the nipples, should be considered separately. Complications of mastitis are the infiltration form of the disease, and purulent mastitis is also possible. All such complications are dangerous due to inflammation of the lymph nodes, extreme forms of complications are phlegmon or gangrenous process.
• If redness of the nipples does not respond to treatment, or the woman does not pay attention to the symptom and lets the condition of the skin of the breast to an extreme degree, infection is possible, up to an abscess. Complications associated with suppuration are fraught with surgical intervention and the corresponding 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 advanced infectious process.
• Paget's disease. Oncological process.

Diagnostics nipple redness

Diagnosis of nipple redness begins with a woman's visit to a doctor. Then a standard procedure is performed by any professional doctor:

• Interviewing the patient, collecting anamnesis. Redness of the nipples is a symptom that cannot be considered the only clinical manifestation of one disease. The gynecologist or mammologist may ask when the redness of the nipple or areola first appeared, what discomfort sensations accompany this symptom, under what circumstances the redness of the nipples occurred.
• Examination (palpation) of the mammary gland. In this way, the doctor checks the breast for the presence or absence of tumor processes, lumps and other signs of serious pathology. Palpation examination 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 location of the lump, its shape and stage of development.
• A biopsy may be ordered if indicated, and is necessary if Paget's disease is suspected. Atypical cells may be detected in the skin material, and fluid from the nipple may also be collected for examination under a microscope.
• If redness of the nipples is caused by an inflammatory process, the woman may be prescribed blood and urine tests to identify the causative agent of the inflammation.
• It is quite difficult to diagnose reddened nipples when eczema is suspected. The process often develops quickly, and the woman does not immediately consult a doctor, trying to cure the problem on her own. When visiting a gynecologist, the patient demonstrates nipples in such a form that the inflammation can be considered polymorphic, that is, the symptoms indicate several possible causes at once. To clarify the diagnosis, a blood test or skin tests for allergens are prescribed to exclude an allergic reaction.

[ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ]

Tests

Tests for reddened nipples are usually not required. Most often, it is enough for the doctor to collect anamnesis (information about the occurrence of the symptom), examination and observation of treatment in dynamics. However, there are reasons that provoke reddening, irritation of the skin of the nipples, which need to be clarified.

What tests may be prescribed:

• Blood test for hormones. Often, changes in hormonal levels provoke pathological processes in the mammary glands and one of the symptoms of the disease is reddening of the nipples
• Blood test to determine the causative agent of the inflammatory process.
• Blood test to identify the causative agent of a bacterial infection.
• Allergic reactions that cause redness of the skin of the breast, nipples or areola require identification of a specific allergen. A woman may be prescribed allergy tests - both skin and blood tests.
• If a nursing mother notices signs of thrush in her child and in herself, which is characterized by specific symptoms, including reddening of the nipples, the doctor may prescribe an analysis to determine the type of candidal infection.
• In case of a 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 prescribed tests for tumor markers.
• In case of intraductal papilloma, both hardware diagnostics (ultrasound, mammography) and tests (immunoenzyme test, general blood test, test to specify metabolic disorders) can be prescribed.

Also, if the nipples are red, the list of comprehensive examination includes standard tests - a complete blood count (CBC), a biochemical analysis, an analysis to determine liver function tests and other clinical blood tests.

[ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ]

Instrumental diagnostics

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

What types of instrumental diagnostics are used in diagnosing the symptom - redness of the nipples?

1. Ultrasound of the mammary glands to identify or exclude hidden tumor processes, as well as to clarify the location, shape, and size of seals (cysts, neoplasms).
2. Mammography is a specific instrumental method designed to examine exclusively the mammary glands.
3. MRI - magnetic resonance imaging for visual clarification of changes in the shape and size of the nipples, as well as for specifying the type of tumor.
4. Ultrasound to visualize the condition of the milk ducts and the vascular system that supplies nutrition to the breast tissue.
5. Biopsy. Analysis of tissue material from the mammary gland or nipple to identify atypical (cancerous) cells, their type, and quantity. Biopsy as a method of instrumental diagnostics allows us to differentiate the tumor process and prescribe adequate, effective treatment.

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

Accurate diagnostics allows differentiating the type, severity of the disease, risk of development and spread of the process to nearby areas of the mammary gland, lymph nodes and organs. Mammography, MRI, ultrasound, immunohistochemical scrapings (cytology) - this is far from a complete list of instrumental methods that help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics for reddened nipples is necessary to specify the cause of the symptom and prescribe effective treatment. This is especially important if a mammologist or gynecologist suspects the development of an oncological process in the mammary gland. Paget's cancer has a characteristic sign - changes in the shape and color of the nipple. The sooner the correct diagnosis is made for such a pathology, the more successful the complex therapy is and the greater the chances of a positive result.

How is differential diagnosis performed for Paget's disease?

• Collection of information about the onset of symptom development, the circumstances of its appearance, the general state of health, including the presence of chronic diseases.
• Examination of the mammary glands, palpation.
• Ultrasound examination of the breast.
• Mammographic examination.
• The examination of tissue material (nipple skin, adjacent area - areola) is a histological or cytological analysis. Cytology involves taking tissue or secretions from the nipple and examining the imprint using a special glass. The technique of analysis is quite simple, unlike further actions and interpretation of the result. The glass is applied to the affected area of the nipple skin, the resulting imprint is stained and examined microscopically. Histology differs from the cytomethod in that the tissue material is obtained using a special needle. Local anesthesia is administered, tissue is taken with a needle and then examined using a microscope. Diagnostic material can be obtained either directly from the nipple tissue, areola, or from nearby lymph nodes if the disease is advanced and has been developing for a long time.
• Immunological tests are needed to identify oncoprotein compounds and cytokeratin. This allows confirming or completely excluding breast cancer, as well as specifying the stage of Paget's cancer.

If, during examination, the doctor finds clinical signs of neurodermatitis, eczema or psoriasis in addition to reddened nipples, differential diagnostics may include tissue examination to detect infectious agents. Such actions are necessary to clarify the diagnosis and prevent secondary inflammatory processes in the mammary gland. In addition, redness, irritation, and itching in the nipple area may be a signal of allergies, retention hyperkeratosis of the nipple, lichen, impetigo, or a more serious pathology, such as melanoma. Differentiation is an opportunity to exclude medical errors, select drugs and methods for treatment, and restore a woman's sense of comfort and health in general.

Differential diagnostics distinguishes the following diseases:

• Eczema.
• Intraductal papilloma.
• Pityriasis versicolor.
• Milkmaid's nipple.
• Dermatitis.
• Eczema.
• Squamous cell carcinoma.
• Paget's disease.
• Mastitis.
• Allergy.

[ 14 ]

Treatment nipple redness

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

The most common causes of red nipples and standard treatments are:

1. Cracked nipples of the mammary gland. This skin condition is usually diagnosed in breastfeeding women. The most effective way to quickly cure cracked nipple skin is to prepare the mammary glands for feeding. Disease prevention largely prevents the development of deep erosive processes. Even if cracks do appear, they do not cause discomfort, do not interfere with the feeding regimen and heal successfully. Treatment of reddened nipples with cracks consists of careful breast care, treating the nipples with antiseptics, following 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.
2. Thrush. Redness of the skin of the nipple or areola is accompanied by severe itching, so treatment necessarily includes means that relieve irritation. In addition, the woman's diet must be changed, drugs are prescribed that activate the immune system and eliminate the cause - infection of the body with Candida. It should also be taken into account that thrush almost always affects both the mother and the newborn baby, so both the woman and the baby undergo treatment.
3. Allergy. First of all, the causes of the allergic reaction are neutralized. After diagnosis, when the allergen is identified, all risks of contact with it are eliminated. If the reddening of the nipples is caused by a food allergen, the system and diet are changed. Elimination of the aggressive allergen allows you to quickly eliminate the 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.
4. Tumor processes in the breast, in which redness 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.
5. Mastopathy, mastitis, in addition to external preparations and medications in tablet form, are treated with physiotherapy procedures. Physiotherapy allows you to resolve congestion in the mammary glands and speed up recovery.

Women who find that their nipples are red often resort to folk remedies. 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 reddened nipples can be both external and in tablet form. The category, classification of drugs depends on the cause of the disease, as well as the entire treatment system. We will list the most common drugs that can reduce the intensity of the symptom and provide a therapeutic effect.

• For cracked nipples, medications are prescribed externally. These can be ointments containing non-aggressive anti-inflammatory substances, given that cracks most often occur in breastfeeding mothers. Here is a list of the most popular remedies for treating cracks:
  • Lanovit.
  • Solcoseryl.
  • Avent.
  • Bepanthen.
  • Ointments containing beta-carotene or tocopherol.
  • Dexpanthenol.
  • Cream-balm for healing cracked nipples.
  • Desitin.
  • Sudocrem.
  • Lanovit.
  • Retinoic ointment.
  • We see.
  • Vulnuzan.
  • Actovegin in gel form.
  • Chlorophyllipt solution.
• Nipple eczema requires long-term, persistent treatment, since eczematous dermatitis is allergic in nature. The remedies prescribed for eczema may be:
  • Prednisolone, which has anti-allergic, antipruritic, and 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 on its own
  • Dermasan is an effective drug if neurodermatitis and eczema are diagnosed for the first time and at an early stage of development.
  • Since redness of the nipples due to eczema is accompanied by severe itching and deterioration of general well-being, patients may be prescribed tranquilizers and antidepressants.
  • Ethimizole, which has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects.

Severe stages of nipple eczema suggest the use of corticosteroid hormonal drugs. All types of eczematous dermatitis require drugs with an immunomodulatory effect:

• Thrush on the nipples is treated with antifungal drugs - fluconazole, diflucan and from the variety. The medicines are selected and prescribed by the doctor, especially if the therapy is intended for a nursing mother.
• Paget's disease. Medicines are prescribed strictly in accordance with the type of oncopathology. Thus, in the case of ulcerative cancer, in addition to traditional antitumor therapy, external agents that adequately relieve skin inflammation may be recommended. If cancer develops according to the eczematous type, medicines are selected as part of a treatment similar to eczema therapy.

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

Ointment for red nipples

The ointment for reddened nipples is selected depending on the cause that provokes the symptom. The woman's medical history and her health status at the time of treatment should also be taken into account.

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

List of ointments for red nipples:

• In case of lactostasis (milk stagnation) it is recommended to use cooling or absorbent ointments. Traumeel, all ointment preparations with arnica, calendula extract, chestnut, heparin gel have this effect.
• Cracked nipples are also successfully treated with ointments. An ointment for reddened nipples with cracks should have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial action in order to quickly stop the spread of infection and not "let" it deep into the tissue of the mammary gland. Solcoseryl, ointments containing lanolin, syntomycin ointment, Purelan, Bepanten, ointment with sea buckthorn oil, Panthenol, Tsindol, Desitin and other drugs are effective and can be very effective if prescribed by a doctor according to indications and after diagnosis.
• Candidiasis, which causes redness of the nipples, is treated with external agents that neutralize the fungal infection. Ointment for redness of the nipples during thrush is nystatin ointment, fluconazole, lamisole. However, it should be remembered that thrush is a phenomenon that occurs during breastfeeding. Therefore, any ointment can get into the baby's gastrointestinal tract, so only a doctor should prescribe medications, including ointments.
• Eczema is treated in a complex manner, like allergies in general. Ointment for nipple eczema can be effective if combined with taking medications in tablet form. Medicines for eczema are classified as antihistamines, and corticoids can also be prescribed if eczema progresses to a severe stage - Prednisolone, Skin-cap, Soderm, Dermasan. Ointment with a drying effect is also effective.

Folk remedies

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

Phytotherapy for reddened nipples includes 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 decoctions of herbs and medicinal plants.
• Compresses with herbal infusion.
• Taking specially prepared decoctions internally.

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

• Safe and no side effects.
• Anti-inflammatory or antibacterial action.
• Softening effect.
• Wound healing effect.
• Properties that dry out wet wounds.
• Absorbent, anti-edematous effect.

Traditional treatment for reddened nipples involves the use of the following plants or herbs:

1. St. John's wort.
2. Mint.
3. Plantain.
4. Chamomile.
5. Marshmallow root.
6. Succession.
7. Oak bark.
8. Snakeweed.
9. Violet.
10. Dandelion.
11. Clover leaves and flowers.
12. Sophora japonica.
13. Birch leaves.
14. Blueberry leaves.
15. Juniper needles.

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

1. Prepare a herbal mixture - 1 part each of oregano, mint, plantain leaves, juniper berries, chamomile, and St. John's wort. Pour a glass of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dry, crushed herbal mixture and let it brew for 40-45 minutes. Cool the strained infusion to a comfortable temperature and use as a compress to relieve itching, irritation, and redness of the nipples.
2. 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 infused in a thermos for 10-12 hours (it is convenient to brew overnight). If the infusion is too concentrated, dark, it is slightly diluted with water and used as a wash for the entire mammary gland, including the nipple. Washing should be done at least twice a day for 10-14 days. The decoction also works great as a lotion. A gauze napkin is moistened in the herbal infusion, squeezed out a little and applied to the damaged, reddened nipple for 1 hour. This method is effective for cracked nipples and neurodermatitis.
3. No less effective is taking herbal baths. The recipe is as follows: take equal parts of celandine and chamomile (25 grams each), pour 500 ml of cold water, leave for an hour, then simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain and pour into the bath, dilute with warm, comfortable water, take baths every other day for two weeks. Folk treatment for reddened nipples can consist of a bathing system with burdock root infusion - grind the root, pour 500 ml of water over a tablespoon, boil for 10 minutes, pour into the basic volume of water in the bath.
4. A decoction that should be drunk for a month. Blackcurrant 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, prepare a decoction - 1 teaspoon of herbal collection is poured with 300 ml of boiling water, infused for 30-40 minutes. The strained healing decoction should be drunk in small sips throughout the day, the course is one month. The product perfectly cleanses the blood, strengthens the immune system and helps the body cope with inflammatory processes, including in the mammary gland.
5. The following recipes belong to the category of folk remedies: applying raw pumpkin pulp, pea flour mixed with cabbage juice to a reddened nipple. Do not forget about the beneficial wound-healing and anti-edematous properties of cabbage leaves or burdock leaves. Purulent inflammation of the mammary gland, which provokes an increase in temperature and reddening of the skin of the nipple, can be tried to cure with a gruel of freshly boiled beans. A bandage with steamed and mashed figs has the same effect.

Traditional treatment of nipple skin diseases brings results only if the cause of the symptom is accurately determined and a herbal treatment regimen is drawn up by a doctor.

[ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Herbal treatment

Herbal treatment for reddened nipples helps reduce discomfort, relieve irritation, inflammation or itching. Properly selected herbs can have an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effect, and also accelerate the healing of microcracks and wounds. At the same time, it is important to remember that not all herbal teas are neutral and safe, so before using decoctions or tinctures, it is advisable to consult a specialist herbalist or your doctor.

List of means and methods that fall under the category of “herbal treatment”:

• Treatment with St. John's wort. A decoction or infusion of St. John's wort heals small wounds and cracks in the nipples well. The decoction recipe is to pour 2 tablespoons of dry grass with 2 glasses of cold water and let it brew for 4-5 hours. Then boil the liquid for 10 minutes, cool to a comfortable temperature, and strain. The resulting decoction can be used to wipe cracked nipples every 2 hours for 2-3 days. Lotions are also effective - a cotton swab is dipped in the decoction, soaked, and applied to the skin of the nipple and areola. St. John's wort oil (available at the pharmacy) also has beneficial properties; it is applied to a gauze napkin, applied to the nipples, and left 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 until it becomes a paste. The resulting poultice is collected in a gauze bag (or wrapped in thin cotton fabric). The pulp is left on the nipples overnight. This method helps relieve inflammation and activates the separation of purulent contents from purulent wounds.
• Plantain seeds are useful for reddened nipples as an anti-inflammatory agent. The seeds should be ground in a coffee grinder or crushed, poured with boiling water in a proportion of 1 tablespoon per glass of boiling water. The cooled decoction is used as a lotion. A herbal ointment made from seeds is also effective - crushed seeds are poured with a small amount of water until the consistency of thick sour cream. The ointment is applied to the reddened skin 2-3 times a day until the irritation is completely neutralized.
• Japanese pagoda tree beans are infused in an alcohol base (1:1). The tincture helps with wet ulcerative lesions of the nipple skin (dermatitis, eczema). Pagoda tree is effective as a means of drawing out pus and disinfecting wounds.
• Linden leaves and inflorescences have an antiseptic effect. Poultices from linden decoction are an excellent way to relieve redness of the nipples.
• Rice starch is effective for weeping forms of nipple eczema. The starch is applied to gauze, applied to the affected area of the chest, and left for 4-5 hours.
• An infusion of sweet clover (a teaspoon of the herb per glass of boiling water – leave to infuse for 15 minutes) is used as a remedy to relieve redness of the nipple areola. Sweet clover ointment – crushed herb mixed with propolis, applied to the breast for mastitis or to the skin around the nipple for intraductal papillomas.
• Aloe juice can heal cracked nipples and small erosive wounds. An aloe leaf is left in a dark place for 2-3 days, ground or crushed, the pulp is squeezed out, and the juice is applied to wounds and nipple skin.
• 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 on redness and cracked nipples.

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

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is an additional effective method that reinforces basic treatment with medications. It should be remembered that homeopathy for reddened nipples should be carefully selected, and the course of treatment can be quite long. Homeopathic remedies work well in the treatment of reddened nipples for pregnant or lactating women, provided that the complex is prescribed by a specialist. Homeopathy acts gently, does not cause side effects and can be used for almost all categories of patients.

Here are some examples of homeopathic regimens that can be prescribed to a woman when redness of the nipples 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 are often relieved in the first week of taking homeopathic remedies. For example, treatment of lactostasis (milk stagnation):

• Aconite is effective at the very beginning of the disease, especially in mastopathy. The dosage and course of treatment are prescribed by a homeopathic specialist.
• Bryonia helps as a mild absorbent.
• Belladonna works great for inflammatory processes that cause redness of the nipples.
• Calcarea carbonica helps to normalize the flow and outflow of breast milk, thus preventing the development of lactostasis and, as a consequence, irritation and redness of the nipples of the mammary glands.
• Pulsatilla nigricans helps reduce the risk of stagnation of breast milk, therefore it can be considered a preventive measure for various problems with the skin of the nipples.
• Local homeopathic therapy is the use of arnica, calendula in various forms. These preparations help to heal cracked nipples, small wounds, including purulent ones.
• Borax helps dry out wet, ulcerated sores on the skin of the nipples.

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

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment for reddened 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 diagnostics and conservative treatment give their result, and a woman has the opportunity to avoid surgery. Surgical treatment is prescribed for oncopathologies or advanced stages of mastopathy. In addition, severe types of mastopathy are also treated surgically if diagnostics show purulent inflammation. The abscess is opened, drained, the procedure can be performed both under local anesthesia and under general anesthesia, depending on the depth of suppuration and the extent of its spread. Let's consider the option of surgical intervention for Paget's cancer:

• The method of surgical intervention and its scope are directly related to the diagnosis and stage of the oncological disease.
• Radical mastectomy is the method of choice for invasive forms of the oncological process.
• Partial removal of a sector of tissue (pectoral muscle) is indicated for non-invasive cancer.
• Resection of a part of the mammary gland may also be indicated at the initial stage of the process, in which case the surgical intervention includes removal of the nipple and areola. After the recovery period, a woman can contact 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 disease is accompanied by additional methods and procedures that stop the spread of atypical cells - chemotherapy, gamma procedures, and the administration of hormonal therapy.
• Lymph nodes may also be removed if cancer cells have spread to the lymphatic system. Differential diagnosis and localization of the lesion are clarified using ultrasound, mammography, biopsy, and cytological analysis.
• Gamma therapy is indicated as an alternative to surgical treatment for patients over 60 years of age, when surgery cannot be performed due to physiological age indicators.

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

Prevention

Prevention of nipple and areola redness consists of systematic examination of the breast, careful and gentle care of the mammary glands in general. General advice on prevention is identical to recommendations for preventing diseases of the mammary glands and pelvic organs in women. This is due to the fairly high prevalence of oncological diseases among the fair sex.

Tips for preventing redness of nipples, diseases associated with mammary glands in women:

• Gentle breast care and hygiene
• Wear comfortable, preferably cotton underwear (bras, T-shirts, tops)
• The mammary glands should be protected from direct sunlight and heat exposure.
• Using natural breast care products, avoiding soaps, gels containing chemicals and synthetic fragrances, significantly reduces the risk of irritation of sensitive skin.
• During pregnancy, you should properly prepare your breasts for the feeding period to minimize the risk of cracked nipples, redness and irritation of the areola.
• Elimination of allergenic foods from the diet, adherence to healthy lifestyle rules in general
• Strengthening the immune system, which helps resist infectious and viral diseases
• Timely contact with specialists, doctors at the slightest alarming signs, symptoms found in the area of the mammary glands
• Conduct regular breast self-examination.

[ 17 ]

Forecast

The prognosis for reddened nipples is generally one of the most favorable among all typical "female" diseases. Reddened nipples are treated fairly quickly and effectively, of course, provided that the cause of the symptom is accurately diagnosed and treatment is started in time.

Let's list the prognosis options for treating reddened nipples:

1. Thrush. Effective treatment completely eliminates nipple redness, the prognosis for the treatment of candidiasis of the mammary gland is favorable
2. Mastopathy. The prognosis depends on the type, the extent of the spread of inflammation in the breast, but in general the outcome of treatment is usually good
3. Severe forms of mastopathy can lead to oncopathology or become a favorable environment for the development of breast cancer. The prognosis of therapy for breast cancer is directly related to when treatment is started and the severity of the pathology
4. The prognosis for Paget's disease varies. The risk of a negative outcome is related to the stage of the cancer, its activity, and the woman's health status, more precisely, the presence or absence of chronic diseases before diagnosis.
5. The prognostic panel for oncopathology also has a fairly wide range. Medical science does not stand still, literally every year new technologies, methods, devices and tools appear that help reduce the negative statistics of cancer diseases. If atypical cells are stopped in time, there is no metastasis, the survival rate of patients is almost 90% for 4-5 years. Further prognosis depends on the likelihood of relapses and preventive measures that a woman takes.

Redness of the nipples is not a life-threatening symptom, however, as a sign, the symptom requires clarification of the underlying cause and adequate treatment. If irritation of the nipple skin, redness or cracks are treated comprehensively and promptly, discomfort, pain will pass quickly and without consequences. Taking care of the breast, systematically examining and caring for it is the main way to avoid many troubles associated with diseases of the mammary glands in general.