Black spots on nipples during pregnancy

Definition, in Pregnancy, Purpose, and More

What are Montgomery’s tubercles?

Montgomery’s tubercles are sebaceous (oil) glands that appear as small bumps around the dark area of the nipple. Studies have found between 30 and 50 percent of pregnant women notice Montgomery’s tubercles.

Their primary function is lubricating and keeping germs away from the breasts. If you’re breastfeeding, secretion of these glands may keep your breast milk from becoming contaminated before being ingested by your baby.

You can identify Montgomery’s tubercles by looking for small, raised bumps on the areola. The areola is the dark area surrounding the nipple. 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.

Changes in hormones are often the cause for Montgomery’s tubercles to enlarge around the nipple, especially:

• during pregnancy
• around puberty
• around a woman’s menstrual cycle

Other common causes include:

• stress
• hormonal imbalances
• breast cancer
• physical body changes, such as weight gain or loss
• medications
• stimulation of the nipple
• tight fitting clothes or bras

Breast changes are often an early pregnancy symptom. Montgomery’s tubercles around your nipples may be one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. They may be noticeable even before you’ve missed your period.

Not every woman who experiences Montgomery’s tubercles is pregnant. If you notice these bumps and have other pregnancy symptoms, you should take a home pregnancy test. If the test is positive, your doctor’s office can confirm your pregnancy.

Other early symptoms of pregnancy may include:

• tender or enlarged breasts
• implantation bleeding
• morning sickness
• fatigue
• bloating
• mood swings
• frequent urination

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.

Montgomery’s tubercles allow for smooth, lubricated breastfeeding. These glands secrete an antibacterial oil. This oil serves an important purpose to moisten and protect the nipples during breastfeeding. For this reason, it’s important for breastfeeding moms not to wash their nipples off with soap. 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.

Montgomery’s tubercles can become blocked, inflamed, or infected. 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. If you experience discharge and you aren’t breastfeeding, make an appointment with your doctor. 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:

• hard lump on your breast
• dimpling, or an “orange peel texture,” known as peau d’orange, on the surface of your breast
• changes in the shape or size of your nipple
• enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
• unintentional weight loss
• changes to the shape or size of one breast
• discharge from your nipple

Montgomery’s tubercles are usually normal and mean your breasts are functioning as they should. The tubercles will usually shrink or disappear completely on their own following pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding and want the tubercles removed, your doctor may recommend surgery. This is a cosmetic option, and may be recommended if they are causing pain or inflammation.

Surgical removal of Montgomery’s tubercles involves your doctor making an excision (removal of the bumps) around your areola. 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.

Home remedies

If you want to reduce the size of Montgomery’s tubercles at home and aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding, you can try the following home remedies:

• Press a towel that’s been dipped in warm water on your nipples for about 20 minutes each night.
• Apply aloe vera gel, shea butter, or cocoa butter around your nipples.
• Increase your water and reduce sugar intake.
• Eat a healthy diet, and reduce sugar and salt to reduce blocking conditions that may increase size of tubercles.

Most of the time, there’s nothing special you need to do if you notice Montgomery’s tubercles. To keep the area free from infection and inflammation:

• Keep your nipples clean. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, wash your breasts daily with warm water. If you aren’t breastfeeding, a gentle cleanser is usually safe to use daily.
• Avoid oils and other lubricants.
• Don’t attempt to pop the tubercles, as this can be dangerous.
• Wear a comfortable, clean bra daily.

If the appearance of tubercles bothers you and you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about options for surgically removing them. This may affect your ability to breastfeed later on.

Montgomery’s tubercles are a normal part of breast function. They’re usually nothing to worry about.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, they’re likely benefiting you and your baby. The tubercles shouldn’t cause pain, in fact, you probably won’t even notice them most of the time. 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.

Q:

Can men develop Montgomery’s tubercles?

Anonymous patient

A:

Yes, as Montgomery’s glands are sebaceous glands and present in both men and women.

Janet Brito, PhD, LCSW, CSTAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Skin conditions during pregnancy: Causes, symptoms and treatment

During pregnancy, the body goes through many physical changes. The skin is also prone to these effects.

Women commonly experience changes in the appearance of the skin during pregnancy, including:

• dark spots on the breasts, nipples and inner thighs
• melasma
• linea nigra
• stretch marks
• acne
• spider veins
• varicose veins

Many of these conditions are normal and occur due to hormonal changes.

In this article, we will examine some of the skin changes that pregnancy can cause.

Hyperpigmentation refers to dark spots or patches on the skin. An increase in naturally occurring melanin causes this.

Typically, hyperpigmentation resolves after delivery, but it might persist for several years.

An example of hyperpigmentation in pregnancy is melasma. Some people refer to this as “the mask of pregnancy.” Brown patches on the face, cheeks, nose, and forehead are the characteristic features of melasma.

Seek consultation with a dermatologist about ways to treat melasma during pregnancy.

Limiting sun exposure between 10 am and 2 pm, using a factor 30 sunscreen or above, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat when outside can all help reduce melasma symptoms.

Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) is a condition in which pale red bumps appear on the skin of a pregnant woman, leading to significant itching, burning, or stinging. These bumps vary in size, ranging from very small areas to larger areas that form a plaque.

Most commonly, these lesions occur on the abdomen, legs, arms, breasts or buttocks. PUPPP typically resolves after delivery.

A doctor might prescribe an antihistamine or topical corticosteroid to relieve inflammation and itching, although taking self-care steps can help minimize the symptoms of PUPPP.

These steps include:

• using lukewarm water when washing
• applying cool compresses
• wearing loose or lightweight clothing
• avoiding the use of soap on skin that has PUPPP

Stretch marks are common in women who are pregnant.

Women often develop stretch marks across the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, or thighs during pregnancy. Stretch marks initially have a reddish-purple appearance and fade to silver or white over time.

Although they often fade, stretch marks never completely resolve. The postpartum treatment of stretch marks is frequently ineffective, although a person might consider laser and prescription creams in some instances.

Many attempts to prevent or treat stretch marks are not successful. However, hydrating the skin with moisturizers is a sensible control measure during pregnancy.

The development of skin tags during pregnancy is common. These lesions typically occur on the neck, chest, back, groin, and under the breasts.

Skin tags are generally not dangerous or malignant. If they are in a place in which they are at risk of irritation of bleeding, due to clothing or repetitive motion, a doctor can remove them.

Acne may develop or get worse during pregnancy.

Many treatments are available for acne, including prescription and non-prescription medications. Discuss these with a healthcare provider before use.

General hygiene practices are important for treating acne. These include:

• washing the face with lukewarm water
• using a mild cleanser twice daily
• keeping hair away from the face
• shampooing daily
• avoiding picking at pimples
• using oil-free cosmetics

During pregnancy, using over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain topical benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, or glycolic acid is safe.

Not all medications are safe to use during pregnancy, however. Products to avoid during pregnancy include:

• hormonal therapy, due to an increased risk of congenital anomalies
• isotretinoin, a form of vitamin A, also called retinol, that can increase the risk of severe congenital anomalies, cognitive difficulties, life-threatening heart and brain conditions, and other development issues
• oral tetracyclines, a type of antibiotic that enhances the risk of tooth discoloration in an infant, as well as having negative effects on fetal bone growth when a woman takes them during the fourth month of pregnancy
• topical retinoids, a form of vitamin A that is common in both prescription and nonprescription products

Spider veins are small, red veins that most commonly affect the face, neck, and arms.

Hormone changes during pregnancy cause these unsightly skin changes, as well as a higher blood volume.

Varicose veins are painful, enlarged veins that increased weight and uterine pressure can cause during pregnancy. This decreases blood flow to the legs.

Varicose veins can occur on the legs, vulva, vagina, and rectum. These typically resolve after delivery. Point these out to a doctor or midwife during checkups.

To keep the effects of varicose veins to a minimum and relieve symptoms, take the following precautions:

• Limit periods of sitting and standing.
• Uncross the legs when sitting for long periods.
• Elevate your legs when possible.
• Exercise often.
• Use support hose.
• Avoid constipation with exercise and fluids.

Other less common skin conditions during pregnancy include prurigo of pregnancy, pemphigoid gestationis, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

Prurigo of pregnancy

Symptoms of prurigo of pregnancy include tiny, itchy bumps that resemble insect bites. Pregnancy-induced changes to the immune system can trigger prurigo of pregnancy.

It can occur in women throughout pregnancy, with symptoms often getting worse day by day.

This condition can take several months to resolve, with symptoms sometimes extending beyond the delivery date.

Pemphigoid gestationis

Pemphigoid gestationis is an autoimmune disorder that typically occurs during the second or third trimester. In some cases, it might occur in the time immediately following childbirth.

Symptoms of this condition include blisters on the abdomen or other parts of the body. This condition slightly increases the risk of preterm birth or a baby with low birth weight.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-induced liver condition that becomes obvious in the third trimester.

Severe itching might occur without the presence of a rash. The palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or trunk of the body typically itch the most.

Symptoms of ICP generally resolve after birth. However, ICP also increases the risk of preterm labor and fetal death.

Speak with a healthcare provider on experiencing any unusual skin conditions that get worse. Seek advice before starting treatment.

7 rules and rating of 4 cosmetics

One of the benefits of pregnancy is breast augmentation. Those who were not satisfied with the first size can be satisfied. However, the skin in new circumstances requires support and care.

4 minutes

Updated:
06/28/2020

Elena Lugovtsova Author

Ekaterina Turubara Expert

Contents

• Skin care during pregnancy
• How to choose cosmetics during pregnancy
• Rules for breast skin care during pregnancy
• Product overview

Features of skin care during pregnancy

Not a single cell of the female body during pregnancy remains aloof from changes. And the skin, as a hormone-dependent organ, is also undergoing changes.

• Those who have suffered from oily sheen and acne may get rid of them.

• But sometimes acne can appear or get worse. The male hormones androgens are to blame for this, the level of which rises during pregnancy.

• In the second trimester, some expectant mothers develop pigment spots (chloasma) on their face and neck - no measures are needed other than sun protection and masking with foundation, hyperpigmentation will go away after childbirth and feeding.

• With a deficiency of vitamins and microelements, there are "jamming" in the corners of the lips, peeling of the skin.

• Possible swelling, circles under the eyes.

• Toxicosis provokes dehydration, which means it has a bad effect on the condition of the skin.

• Reduced local immunity, so inflammation on the face is possible.

  Not a single cell of the female body during this period will remain aloof from the process of change. © Skin.ru

A potential skin hazard during pregnancy is stretch marks. Often the tendency to them is determined genetically. To avoid stretch marks, apply a rich cream daily to problem areas (abdomen, chest, thighs).

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How to choose cosmetics during pregnancy

Here are the most important recommendations.

• When choosing cosmetics, be guided by your skin type, but keep in mind that during pregnancy it may change.

• Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products as expectant mothers sometimes experience altered odor perception and immune response.

• Do not experiment with new products and unfamiliar ingredients.

• To combat stretch marks, use products for firmness and elasticity of the skin of the body (in fact, this is the task of creams for stretch marks).

• If you have skin problems, consult your physician.

  When choosing cosmetics, be guided by your skin type, during pregnancy it may change. © Skin.ru

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“Body products should primarily contain moisturizing agents: tissues saturated with moisture are more elastic and do not injure. Creams with hyaluronic acid, chitosan, aloe and algae extracts will come in handy.

Rules for breast skin care during pregnancy

What is useful to do

“During pregnancy, the breast changes as it prepares for lactation,” explains Elena Alekseeva, Biotherm brand expert. - There are no muscles in this area, so the ligaments begin to stretch, which means support is important. Choose a bra that will take the extra pressure off and firm up your breasts. This will help formulas with vitamins A and E, as well as moisturizing ingredients, plant oils, seaweed extracts.

By preserving the skin of the breast, you help to maintain its shape. Here's what it takes.

• Wear a comfortable, well-supported bra with wide straps that will come in handy even at night.

• Use cosmetics to moisturize the skin and increase its elasticity.

• Do special exercises, they can be found on the Internet.

The most famous of them is "Prayer".

• Place your palms together in front of your chest with your elbows parallel to the floor.

• Press palms together.

• Hold the position for a few seconds, then relax your arms.

• Repeat up to 20 times.

Do's and Don'ts

Massaging your nipples to firm up your skin is very harmful. Instead of preparing for breastfeeding, it causes uterine contractions, which can lead to premature birth.

Rub the skin of the chest with a rough mitt. Such manipulations will not make the skin more elastic, only injure it.

Apply the cream too vigorously. When applying the product to the breast area, with one hand support the breast from below, and with the other, carefully apply the cream in a circular motion from the nipple to the base.

Washing nipples with soap and treating with brilliant green during breastfeeding is a barbaric cost of the past. The microflora of the mother's nipple is clearly more beneficial to the baby than the detergent.

Choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products, as odor perception and immune response may be altered. © Skin.ru

If cracked nipples appear, apply a nourishing healing cream recommended by your doctor.

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Product Overview

Lipikar Syndet AP+ Lipid Replenishing Cleansing Cream Gel, La Roche-Posay

Thanks to niacinamide, shea butter and Aqua Posay Filiformis, the product gently cleanses the skin, soothes it, restores the protective barrier.

Super Bust Tense-In-Serum, Biotherm

Red algae (Chondrus Crispus) and hyaluronic acid tighten the skin, making it supple and elastic. Serum can be used during pregnancy, but not during breastfeeding.

Dry Skin Milk for Babies, Children and Adults Lipikar Lait, La Roche-Posay

This hypoallergenic product can also be used during breastfeeding - the main thing is to make sure that it does not get on the nipple. The formula with shea butter and vitamin B3 nourishes and moisturizes the skin, enhances its protective properties.

Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion, Kiehl's

Argan and orange oils, argan leaf extract and squalane improve skin firmness and elasticity. Not recommended for use during breastfeeding.

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