Pimples on my areolar

[evelyn]

I have what look like several pimples on my both my areolar. When I squeeze them a white substance comes out. They become inflamed when I touch them and when my nipples grow. They decrease in size when my nipples are normal but they never go away. They are always visible. I have had them for many years. I have never been pregnant. What is this condition and how can I treat it so that these "pimples" can go away. I also have Keratosis pilaris on my upper outer arms. Is this related to the above condition in any way?

Thank you for your help?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Evelyn:

They are a kind of cyst, which many women (and men) have around their nipples.  The "white substance" is regular cust contents -- dead skin cells, etc. -- rather than pus.  There's no need to do anything about these cysts, though light electrocautery can minimize them if they embarrass you.  The're not related to keratosis pilaris, which consists of bumps of keratin protein on the outer arms.

Best.  Dr. R

[Ann]

I also have those pimple like bumps on both my areola.  i was wondering if those can be cancerous. You said it can be ignored, i was just wondering if it were nothing 100%? I heard that those could be little things that keep your nipples hydrated and not dried and good for breast feeding or something.  i just wanted to know if i should have any concerns to make sure.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Nope, no cancer and no complications.  Not ever.

Show 'em to your doc next visit, just to be sure.  

Dr. R

[Jesse]

Is there any way to get rid of the bumps on areola other than light electrocautery?

[Jesse]

Is there any other way to minimize these bumps on areola other than light electrocautery?

[Jesse]

Is there any other way to minimize these bumps on areola other than light electrocautery?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Not that I know of.  ASR

[hopkins884]

A related discussion, pimples on areolas was started.

[jasy88]

A related discussion, cycst on areola was started.