Nipple bleb
A nipple bleb is a blister on the nipple that can be filled with serous or other fluid. It may be pink or light yellow.[1] It is thin-walled and may appear as a small blister, more than 5 mm in diameter. It can also be referred to as a bulla. Some clinicians may also include milk blisters as a type of bleb. In addition, a blocked Montgomery gland may also be called a nipple bleb though its cause is different than a milk or serous-filled bleb on the nipple.[2] In some cases the bleb may be associated with an adjacent blocked sebaceous cyst.[3]
It may be caused by a blocked pore that leads to seepage of milk or serous fluid under the epidermis. This causes a white 'bump' that appears opaque and shiny. If the bleb continues to block the flow of milk out of the breast it may develop into a blocked milk duct or even mastitis.[4]
A nipple bleb is often treated by the woman herself since a warm saline soak and gentle washing may open the blister and cause it to drain.[3]
Symptoms
- Shapeless raised, smooth, shiny, pimple-like, tiny bumps formed on breasts or in and around the nipple pore [5]
- Raised, water/fluid filled areas on breasts. The colour of the fluid in nipple blebs may vary from white, yellow or transparent
- Nipple blebs become flat when pressure is applied on them[6]
- Cause discomfort to the lactating mother while breastfeeding
- May or may not be painful in general [7]
- It can be painful when the baby nurses while you have a nipple bleb
Treatment
- Breastfeed more frequently
- Learn how to make the baby latch properly
- Try wet, warm heating pads before and after each feeding
- Massage the area around the duct to help loosen up the blockage
- Ice packs can be soothing [6]
- Apply gentle pressure to release the bleb[6]
- Do not wear tight fitting bra. If the cloth of the bra is rubbing against your nipples, use a nursing pad to ease the friction[6]
See also
References
- ^ Association, Australian Breastfeeding (4 February 2012). "White spot on the nipple". Retrieved 12 August 2017.
- ^ "Sore, tender and damaged nipples". New Zealand Ministry of Health. 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
- ^ a b Walker, p. 534-5.
- ^ Walker, Marsha (2011). Breastfeeding management for the clinician : using the evidence. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. pp. 534–5. ISBN 9780763766511.
- ^ "Blisters on Nipples - Breastfeeding Support". Breastfeeding Support. 2014-08-18. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
- ^ a b c d "Information and Tips on How to Treat Nipple Blebs While Breastfeeding". Verywell Family. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
- ^ "Milk Blister or Bleb: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention". Healthline. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
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