The areola is located around the nipple of a woman’s breast. This is slightly different for every woman. There are often small bumps on this areola. Sometimes some discharge comes out of this. What exactly are these bumps? And what happens if these bumps start to hurt or become hard and red?

The nipple and areola

The nipples are located on the breasts and are surrounded by an areola. The nipple is an erogenous zone that can arouse people. The areola is the colored area around the nipple. The size of the areola can be different for everyone, but this is not related to the size of the breast. The areola can also differ in shape and color. Cold or excitement causes the areola muscles to contract, causing the areola to become harder and smaller. There are hair follicles around the areola from which hairs can grow. If you don’t like these hairs, you can easily remove them with tweezers.

Montgomery’s glands

Small bumps can be seen on the areola. These bumps are called Montgomery’s glands, after an obstetrician who first described them. The glands secrete an oily substance that has a disinfectant effect and ensures that the skin remains supple. Usually you don’t notice this yourself. Sometimes a gland becomes a bit clogged and you see a white bump. When you squeeze this, some sebum will come out. This in itself is not something to worry about. It usually goes away on its own. It is therefore best to just leave these bumps alone and not fiddle with them.

Pimples

Sometimes another bump develops on the areola or right next to it. This bump can be painful and hard. In most cases it is a pimple. These pimples can hurt because the bra is against them. You can solve this by putting a cotton pad in between. Squeezing is possible, but is not recommended because there is a chance that you will be left with a scar. Simply waiting for the pimple to dry out is the best solution. The development of pimples may have to do with your hormone levels. For example, during pregnancy or by using another contraceptive pill.

Inflammation

Montgomery’s glands can also become inflamed or clogged. This manifests itself in a hard lump from which pus and blood can come out. This is often very painful. A course of antibiotics will not be needed quickly to combat this inflammation, it usually goes away on its own. This is in contrast to a breast infection. If the pain gets worse, the breasts become sore or you develop a fever, always contact a doctor.

Changes to the nipple or areola

Close attention should always be paid to changes in the nipple or areola. An inverted nipple can be caused by cancer. Redness and flaking of the nipple can be caused by eczema, but sometimes also by cancer. A wound that does not heal properly can also be malignant in some cases.It is important to make an appointment with your GP in the following cases:

• for signs of inflammation, such as redness, warm-feeling skin and swelling of the breast or nipple
• in case of pain or a lump in the breast
• with one or more dents in the skin of the breast
• in case of bloody or brown fluid from the nipple itself
• when retracting the nipple
• for eczema on or around the nipple
• if the lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbones can be felt