Six common nipple problems, how to spot the signs – and when to see a GP

WE'VE all got them yet we rarely talk about them.

Nipples, just like the rest of your body, can be affected by health problems.

In most cases - think irritation and itching - it's usually nothing serious, but other changes can be a red flag sign for breast cancer.

Some women may experience discharge, swelling and pain, and you're more likely to notice changes when breastfeeding.

Whatever the problem, it's important to recognise worrying signs and speak to your doctor to rule out anything serious.

Here are six nipple problems you might experience.

1. Mastitis

Around one in ten mums who breastfeed their children will develop mastitis - a condition that causes the breast tissue to become red and inflamed.

It is often caused by a build-up of milk within the breast, according to the NHS.

Mastitis can happen for a number of reasons, including the baby not properly attaching to the breast when feeding, infrequent feeds, missing feeds, or a baby having problems sucking.

It causes the breast tissue to become red and inflamed and can feel hot to touch. Women may also experience a burning sensation when feeding their baby.

Some women also experience nipple discharge and flu-like symptoms.

In some cases the milk build-up can become infected with bacteria and will need to be treated with antibiotics.

Women who aren't breast feeding can also develop mastitis but this is less common.

In all cases of mastitis you should see your GP as soon as possible.

2. Breast cancer

Changes to the texture and colour of the skin and changes to the nipple can be a warning sign for breast cancer.

An inverted nipple is one of the less known about signs of the disease as is nipple discharge.

One in eight women across the nation develops the disease in their lifetime and experts advise that women should check their breasts each month for signs of cancer, starting in their 20s.

For most women, the first sign or symptom of breast cancer is a lump or area of thickened tissue in their breast.

It's vital that you speak to a GP if you see any unusual changes in your nipples or boobs.

3. Paget disease

A rarer form of cancer, Paget disease causes eczema-like dry skin patches to appear on the breast and nipple.

It is usually a sign of cancer in the tissue behind the nipple, according to the NHS.

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About one to four per cent of women with breast cancer have Paget's disease of the nipple.

Other symptoms include itching, tingling or redness in the nipple and areola (the dark skin around the nipple), flaky, crusty skin, a nipple that appears more flat than normal, and yellow or bloody discharge.

All of these should be checked out by a doctor.

4. Duct ectasia

Duct ectasia is a non-cancerous condition that causes the milk ducts to become wider.

It may also cause a blockage in the milk duct which leads to leaking.

Blocked milk ducts can lead to infection, inflammation and nasty abscesses.

If you have duct ectasia it can cause pain but it is uncommon.

The condition is more common in women approaching the menopause due to hormonal changes.

Always get any changes in your boobs checked by a doctor in case it's something more serious.

5. Galactorrhea

Galactorrhea is a term for milky discharge from one, or both, nipples.

It's fairly common affecting around 25 per cent of women.

The condition is often caused by an increase in the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the production of breast milk, but certain medications like antidepressants, blood pressure drugs and anti-psychotics can cause the discharge.

Taking the Pill can also cause galactorrhea due to the synthetic hormones in the contraception.

It is usually nothing to worry about but if it is causing you concern you can speak to your GP.

6. Intraductal papilloma

Intraductal papilloma is a small wart-like lump that appears close to the nipple.

It is usually harmless and forms in the milk duct.

Some women may experience pain but more often than not it doesn't cause any discomfort.

But it may cause blood or sticky discharge to leak from the nipple so see a GP if that starts to happen.

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