Nipples changing colors

[xastur7]

For several months now I have noticed that my nipples will turn from the usual pink to a bright, inflamed red color, to a dark bluish purple. Sometimes it's just one nipple and sometimes both. It happens periodically throughout the day, every day. Sometimes they stay that way for long periods of time before changing back. I don't do anything to cause these changes that I'm aware of. I have actually watched them for a few minutes at a time and seen the transformation. There isn't any pain, but sometimes they itch. What could be causing this? I have searched the net high and low for answers but have found nothing. I would appreciate some feedback. Thanks.

[cocolover97]

I to am a teen, 15 to be exact and only one of my nipples and I have the same problem. I am scared to ask my parents about it because I am one girl out of four children, the other being boys and have no idea what to do. Someone please help.

[qpalzm098]

I m 20 before 2 years ma nipple colour was pink and they become blak now .. & size also changes can anybody help me

[roxteen]

I've also just recently noticed my nipples going a dark purple colour, thing is I'm still a teen and don't have children. I'm not sure what to cause my parents are very open and will ask a lot of questions if I asked to go for a mammogram, they will think it has no point to it.

[stylistracey]

i have one  breast that does the exact same thing, and i do have poor circulation.  but i have watched it befor myself go from darker purple to pink in less then a min to as long as 5 mins,  i am getting an ultra sound done hopefully next week on breast because after a few months of ignoring my purple nipple i have pain in my opposit breast towards the top and i am being checked for cancer and also for the reason my one nipple will do that ill let you know what they tell me next week

[xastur7]

I appreciate your thoughts on this. I hope it is something as simple as circulation. My hands and feet stay cold all the time and I have very noticible veins in my legs, and those are all circulation related I believe. It'll probably be a few weeks before I get to go to the dr. but I appreciate the advice in the meantime.

[oceans3]

any changes you have in the breasts whether it be color, shape, size, dimpling should be examined. the discolorization that you are experiencing sounds extreme. i mean their red,pink purple, and you see them change color. most of the time as im sure you know, they do change color during and after pregnancy but its usually more from pink to brown. being a "layperson" i would guess that changes in temps may cause changes in nipple color? also when nipples get errect, they do get darker, which im sure you also know.
i also think there may be a circulatory problem as the other poster suggested. check in your phone book. they list lots of places you can call (like a hotline) for breast issues. do this for now while you wait for an appt. to go to the dr.

[xastur7]

I'll try to get an appointment soon, I was just hoping to have some clue to what this is to know if it's serious enough to even see a dr. over. I'm guessing it's not very common since I can't seem to find any information on it. Thanks for your help anyway.

[JoAnnaRF]

Since it is haooening so often, the best advice I can give is to see your Gyn for a breast exam and tell him/her every little thing you can think of. The Gyn will most likely order a mammogram and can also send you to a specialist if needed. I know you were hoping for a better answer but in your situation I really think you need the help of a Doctor. Good luck and keep us posted.

[xastur7]

First of all, thanks for the replies. No, I haven't changed detergents, and I wear very comfortable cotton bras. So I doubt it's that. You said itching was a sign of swelling and now that I thought about it, my husband and I have both noticed my breasts have been fuller looking over the last month or so. I know I'm not pregnant if anyone thinks that might be why they look fuller. Yes, I do have one 17 month old child if this has anything to do with it. I didn't breastfeed her. If it's a circulatory problem what would cause it and could I do anything to help it? Right now as I type this one nipple is almost black it's so purple and the other is normal pink. Thanks again for teh responses.

[IWantToBeAMom]

Mine do that too - although I don't monitor them throught the day.  I just notice sometimes if I'm in the shower or changing clothes.  It happens a lot more (like the dark purple color) now that I've had a baby.  Do you have kids?  I don't think it's anything to be concerned about.

As far as the itching, sometimes mine do too when I take off my bra at night, just normal occasional itching like any other area of my skin.  Do you wear lacey bras with a lot of texture to the fabric?  Or have your recently switched detergents?  You could be itchy from using a different detergent or using too much detergent and not getting your bras rinsed well enough.  Try using lots of lotion and see if that helps.

[JoAnnaRF]

Itching can be a sign of swelling. And the change in color sounds like a circulatory problem. Could be a multitude of things going on and you should see your Gyn for a mammogram. It's never too early for one to establish a baseline and you're never too young. Had my first one at the age of 15. Good luck and keep in touch.