Breastfeeding - skin and nipple changes
Description
Learning about skin and nipple changes during breastfeeding can help you take care of yourself and know when to see a health care provider.
Alternative Names
Inverted nipple; Nipple discharge; Breast feeding - nipple changes; Breastfeeding - nipple changes
Notice Changes in Your Breasts and Nipples
Changes in your breasts and nipples may include:
- Inverted nipples. This is normal if your nipples have always been indented inward and can easily point out when you touch them. If your nipples are pointing in, and this is new, talk to your provider right away.
- Skin puckering or dimpling. This can be caused by scar tissue from surgery or an infection. Often, there is no known reason. You should see your provider but most of the time this does not need treatment.
- Warm to the touch, red, or painful breast. This is caused by an infection in your breast. See your provider for treatment.
- Scaly, flaking, itchy skin. This is most often eczema or a bacterial or fungal infection. See your provider for treatment.
- Retracted nipples. Your nipple was raised above the surface but begins to pull inward and does not come out when stimulated. See your provider if this is new.
Take Care of Your Nipples
Your nipples naturally make a lubricant to prevent drying, cracking, or infections. To keep your nipples healthy:
- Avoid soaps and harsh washing or drying of your breasts and nipples. This can cause dryness and cracking.
- Rub a little breast milk on your nipple after feeding to protect it. Keep your nipples dry to prevent cracking and infection.
- If you have cracked nipples, apply 100% pure lanolin after feedings.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your provider if you notice unusual changes in your skin and nipples. Your provider will talk to you about your medical history and the recent changes you have noticed in your breasts and nipples. Your provider will also do a breast exam and may suggest that you see a dermatologist or breast specialist.
You may have these tests done:
- Mammogram (uses x-rays to produce pictures of the breast)
- Breast ultrasound (uses sound waves to examine the breasts)
- Breast MRI (uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the breast tissue)
- Biopsy (removal of a small amount of breast tissue to examine it)
References
Newton ER, Stuebe AM. Lactation and breastfeeding. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 25.
Valente SA, Grobmyer SR. Mastitis and breast abscess. In: Bland KI, Copeland EM, Klimberg VS, Gradishar WJ, eds. The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 6.
Review Date:11/21/2022
Reviewed By:LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.
Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.
