Is it normal to have bumps around your nipples or should you worry?

If you find a bump anywhere on your body, it’s a valid reason for concern. However, if you have bumps around your nipples, it’s not something you have to lose sleep over. Well, you are not in this alone because we all have been told that any lumps and bumps on your breasts are worth checking out, if they stay for too long.

So why do we have nipple bumps?

According to Dr Tanaya, who is known by the name of Dr Cuterus on Instagram, explains in her recent video that the bumps present on the areola are actually called the Tubercles of Montgomery.

For those caught unaware, the nipple is the protruding nub on each breast and the similarly pigmented area on the breast surrounding the nipple is the areola. Bumps on both the nipple and on areola are possible. But don’t get confused or worried because these bumps actually have an interesting purpose to fulfil. According to Dr Cuterus, these bumps “keep the nipple moist and lubricated. It is like a natural moisturizer.”

She further adds that as per a research, these bumps also “release some delicious smells that tell the (newborn) baby where their food is going to come from”, thereby, allowing them to know exactly where to stick their faces during breastfeeding.

Lastly, there is nothing to worry about darker areolas too as they go perfectly with the Indian skin tone. In fact, the hair around the nipples are normal, too. “Your body is fantastic,” the doctor asserts.

What exactly are Tubercles of Montgomery?

Montgomery’s tubercles are actually a type of oil-producing glands people have on their areolae, and they look nothing but like small bumps. They actually are protective, as Dr Cuterus mentions in her video, by providing the nipples with necessary moisture. Not just that, they may enlarge in pregnancy, and most women and men naturally have them.

Also, read: Having hard nipples is NORMAL. Let Leeza Mangaldas tell you why

Due to changes in hormones, the Montgomery’s tubercles can also undergo a change during pregnancy, around puberty and around the menstrual cycle.

When should you be concerned about bumps on nipples?

Any bumps on or around your breasts that come along with other symptoms, could be cause for concern. Look out for these signs along with nipple bumps:

1. Swelling
2. Areola or nipple rash that comes on suddenly
3. Skin around the nipple is flaky or scaly
4. Patch of hardening, crusty, or oozing skin.
5. Constant itching.
6. Tingling and burning sensation.

Lastly, always and always, look after your breasts!