Did you know that nipples can tell if you have serious health problems? Any change on the skin around or on your nipple can be an indicator of a health problem and if you notice anything strange, you need to call your doctor.
Here are the 5 things you need to know about your nipples:
1. Nipple discharge is normal
MD, Leah S. Gendler explains that this milky, clear or bluish-green discharge can occur if the nipple is squeezed. If you notice a bloody discharge, you need to see a doctor. Bloody discharge can be a sign of benign growth, cyst or breast cancer.
2. Exercise can irritate nipples
Exercising can sometimes irritate your nipples but that can be solved with a good sports bra and good balm. If you’re not exercising and you notice your nipples getting itchy, red and scaly, go see your doctor. It could be a sign of Paget’s disease, an extremely rare form of nipple and areola cancer.
“It could also be eczema, so don’t get anxious. Just have your doctor assess,” says Dr. Gendler.
3. Hairy nipples are normal
Those tiny bumps around your nipples are hair follicles. Having hair on your nipples is normal and you can pluck or wax them if they bother you. If the hair follicles grow in size and become painful, see your doctor.
4. Inverted nipples are no cause for concern
Paul Lorenc, a plastic surgeon in NYC explains that more than 15% of women have inverted nipples.
“It’s a relatively minor surgical procedure to correct it. We make a tiny incision to release the connective tissue, and the nipple pops out. We can do both nipples under local anesthesia in about an hour,” says Dr. Lorenc.
5. Third nipples are more common than you think
Around 27 million Americans have a third nipple. Many people mistaken their third nipple for skin tags or moles. There’s no need for concern if you have a third nipple and it’s a problem that can be easily solved if it bothers you.
“The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes and recovery is minimal,” , explains plastic surgeon Grace Ma, MD, of Peachtree Plastic Surgery in Atlanta.