Normal and abnormal nipples, here's how to tell the difference

The nipple is a part of the human breast. Nipples also have another name, namely papilla. Both women and men from young to old must have a pair of nipples on their chest, or maybe more than two. Even though it looks trivial, the appearance of the small skin structure that protrudes at the end of this part of the breast may reflect your health condition, you know! Let's find out the characteristics of normal papillae and what health problems are common.

Normal nipple type

The nipple or papilla is in the middle of the areola. The aerola is a dark area in the center of the breast. These papillae are mostly made up of smooth muscle fibers. Where this smooth muscle functions to help the papilla to form when stimulated.

During puberty in girls, the pigment in the papilla and areola will increase (so that the color becomes darker) and make the papilla or nipple more prominent.

For women, the nipple serves for lactation or distributes breast milk to the baby. As for men, there is no specific function. Some opinions suggest that a man's nipples function as an erotic zone that can produce stimulation. When men's papillae harden, this is a sign that they are aroused or orgasmic.

1. Stand out

The papillae of this type generally protrude a few millimeters above the surface of the areola. When the weather is cold or stimulated, the nipples become harder and clearer.

2. Go inside

Some women or men have nipples that go inside. This is normal and is classified as many who experience it. For breastfeeding mothers, nipple conditions like this make it a little difficult to give the baby breast milk. There is one technique for removing the inside of the papilla, namely the Hoffman technique.

To do this, place your thumbs on both sides of the aerola, either right-left or up-down. Slowly, try to stretch your thumbs apart and tug at each other. Do it twice a day after bathing. This technique is still believed to be able to break up the papillae so that they can stick out.

3. Flat nipples

Apart from sinking between the areolas, there are also flat nipples or papillae. Where this occurs when the surface of the papilla is flush with the skin of the areola. Relax, this condition is not dangerous or normal. Flat papillae can occur on one breast or both.

According to dr. Maggie DiNome, head of Saint John's Health Center hospital in California, says women who have flat papillae can breastfeed their babies normally. However, it will cause some problems while breastfeeding.

There are several ways to deal with nipples or papillae that don't stick out. Dr. DiNome also said that it is possible that the flattened papillae can be surgically removed to come out for breastfeeding.

In addition, please try to stimulate the papilla to stand out. This method is done so that the baby can find a place to suck breast milk. Some people believe that by breastfeeding the baby, the flat papilla will also come out on its own according to the needs of the baby and nursing mother.

4. Other features of normal papillae

Hairy

According to dr. Kecia Gaither M D, gynecologist in New York, thin-haired papillae is normal. This usually occurs due to genetic influences, during puberty, due to pregnancy, during menstruation, or during menopause. Birth control pills can also stimulate hair growth on the nipples.

Light or dark brown, big or small: the same, all normal

The size of each human's nipples varies. Either small or big. The color variation can be pink to dark blackish brown. All of these combinations are normal and most of them are genetically dependent.

According to dr. Debra Patt MD, an oncologist in America, the size of the papillae in your breast is just a picture of different human physicalities.

Characteristics of abnormal nipples

1. Hairy suddenly

If you suddenly have a lot of fine hairs on your nipples or breasts, you should be vigilant. According to dr. Gaither, this can be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Cushing's syndrome. If you experience this, you should immediately consult a doctor for further examination.

2. Bleeding or festering

Papillae that bleed can be caused by friction sores, from itching from scratching, or even from irritation. If left alone, the nipple can develop into an infection. Apart from causing the papillae to be sick, the infection can also increase the risk of the yeast infection of the skin candidiasis caused by Candida albicans.

A purulent papillae can indicate something serious, one of which is breast cancer. Usually this cancer affects the ducts in the breast and then spreads to the surface of the papilla, and then spreads to the areola, causing dark circles around the breasts and pain.

Common nipple problems

1. Ectasia

Ectasia is a condition in which the mammary glands are enlarged under the nipple. Generally, this condition occurs at the age approaching menopause, around the age of 40s or early 50s.

Ekatasia is a non-cancerous condition. In some cases, the tissue under the mammary glands can change and block the milk ducts.

The accumulated fluid can settle and leak into the surrounding breast tissue. This is what can lead to infection, chronic inflammation, or a pus-filled infection called an abscess.

2. Intraductal papilloma

An intraductal papilloma is a small, wart-like lump growing near the nipple, this lump is not cancerous. But usually it will bleed or sticky fluid.

3. Blisters while breastfeeding

Nipple blisters or cracked nipple is a problem that is often experienced by new mothers while breastfeeding. This can be caused by the wrong way of breastfeeding and the mother does not take care of her papilla. To overcome this, generally no special treatment is needed, because the papilla will heal on its own. Mothers can also use a special moisturizing cream for breastfeeding mothers that can relieve sore papillae.