Breast lumps are common, especially in women ages 30 to 50. Get an update on the causes, symptoms, remedy and treatment of bumps on breast.
What Causes Lumps on Breast?
A number of conditions can result in a lump or lumps in your breast. Most of these conditions are harmless or of minor concern. Generally, bumps on breast usually feels like lots of little nodules or as though some areas of the breast are thicker or denser than other areas. Your breasts also may feel tender.
The lumps may occur in both breasts, around the nipple and in the upper, outer part of the breasts, especially before your menstrual period. The lumps may come and go and change size in just a few days. Generalized lumpiness was once thought to be abnormal and was even called fibrocystic breast disease, but it is so common that it is now considered normal.
Bumps on Breast Causes
The cause of the zits and bumps depends on their type. Cystic acne is one of the most common types of acne that causes deep pimples and zits on face, back and even chest that feel like cysts beneath the skin. Normal pimples are usually caused by blockage of skin pores by dirt and sweat. Here are the various causes of pimples on boobs.
Hormones changes during pregnancy and periods
Whenever there’s a fluctuation of hormones in your body, mostly during period and during pregnancy, the skin produces excess sebum. Too much sebum causes blockage of pores on the skin. This leads to small bumps, white and red spots on breast skin.
As per research findings, cystic acne can be severe during pregnancy and when you are having menstrual periods. Their cycle may seem consistent especially at those times of the month when you have stress that affects hormone balance. The symptoms are likely to be red pimples on breast, chest, back and even face or forehead.
Chest acne breakouts
Chances are that if you have an acne prone skin, the breakouts are caused by acne. The skin on your breast is thicker than the rest of the body. When you wear tight clothing and have an acne-prone skin, you are likely to get chest acne zits and bumps on breast.
Some medications may also worsen symptoms of acne. These may show on the breast and chest area. Acne breakouts may also be a caused by impaired kidney and liver functions. As toxins are released into the body, they may trigger acne breakouts and zits on breasts.
Tight bras
Are you a sports person? Are you getting pimples, boils and bumps on your breasts? Those could be acne mechanica. These are pimples usually caused by the following factors, usually typical with sports women.
- Friction on the skin
- Excess heat on the skin due to tight clothing
- Pressure on the skin due to tightly fitting bras
Montgomery Glands
Another possible reason for pimple-like bumps on the breast is Montgomery glands. According to Breast Notes, these bumps don’t grow and look like Goosebumps on or around the nipple. These glands produce a lubricant to keep the nipple protected. They are most common in women older than 30.
Yeast Infection
In some cases, bumps that look like pimples might be a rash from a fungal infection, such as yeast, according to DermNet NZ. Since the breasts are an area that often gets sweaty and retains moisture, they’re a breeding ground for yeast, which favour damp environments. A yeast infection would likely appear in the fold beneath the breasts as a red, itchy and inflamed rash.
Cancer black bumps on breast
Cancerous growths on the breast can start as a tiny lump that appears to be an itchy pimple, acne zit or like large bumps on nipples. It might soon turn into a boil on the chest or a large pimple. Sometimes, acne starts as a small white spot that grows into a pimple and then into a large, hard bump.
The Fitness Magazine advises that if you see a breast cyst or a pus-filled pimple on your boobs that is accompanied by pain, avoid popping it or scratching it. See a doctor right away for diagnosis to rule out possibilities of breast cancer. Here are two symptoms that may indicate a breast cancer.
- Pus filled bump on breast –Though dermatitis, milk blisters and even fungal infections can appear to have pus-filled pimples or rash on the chest area, this sign should not be ignored at all. A pimple under breasts is more likely to be a fungal infection, but when it is on the breast skin, and appears to be dark or black, feels hard and recurs could be a sign of breast cancer.
- Pimple on breast that won’t go away or heal – A pimple or bump that keeps coming back, lasts for weeks or months and won’t healcan also mean breast cancer. Some people complain that these breast boils and bumps get warm and inflamed. If every time the boil appears, your breast area becomes warm, tender and painful, it is likely to be a sign of cancer that should not be ignored.
Red Bumps on Breast Looks like Pimples
Red pimples and rashes on the breast are a common sign of inflammation. Sometimes, pimples are a sign of an infection. The immune system responds to the bacteria and pus that are found in the zits.
As the immune system acts to get rid of the pimples and bacteria in them, you end up with a reddened or inflamed skin. Other than that, if you try to pop pimples on your skin, you are likely to make become red and sore. They may also bleed. You could end up with a blood pimple on your breast.
Is Pimples on Breast Normal
It is quite normal for teenagers, both boys and girls to get bumps on breasts. The same bumps can appear during period and also during pregnancy in most women. These are caused by hormone changes in the body. Stress hormones are also a major cause of zits and acne bumps on breast. So these are quite normal.
However, a black pimple on your breast or recurring pimples should not be taken as normal. Pimples that turn into lumps on your breast area or skin could be a sign of even bigger conditions such as cancer or even a skin problem.
The pimple on breast are very painful, unattractive, and also embarrassing. Acne may also occur to any person at any age, and can appear on various parts of the body for a number of reasons. However, it’s very crucial to also remember that it’s treatable, and while still very uncomfortable, they aren’t usually a major health concern.
Pimple on Breast that won’t go away
A pimple on breast, especially one that won’t go away or keeps coming back could be a sign of cancer and should be taken seriously. Acne bumps under breast, red, painful pimples, whether small or large, infected into a boil or not can be a source of worry. Are these pimples, spots, lumps and growths on boobs normal?
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a breast-related skin condition that may manifest as very chronic infections or abscesses that appears around and on the breast – especially in the crease below.
Not only is this particular condition very painful and also embarrassing but it can as well be bumps on breast, though a very common happening for most women, may nonetheless be very embarrassing when a person is trying to put on favourite clothes or even get dressed in the public place. For the women pimple on breast is enough to keep them covered up at all times, even with very heavy clothing in the middle of the summer.
Unfortunately such said drastic measures are uncomfortable and do nothing to assist resolve the situation. Understanding of what leads to pimple on breast, how to prevent the breast acne and how to also treat breast acne should assist cure the condition, or at least keep it to a more manageable level.
Bumps on breast that won’t disappear
Basically, the plugged sweat glands or the hair follicles leads to inflammation, swelling, and even the formation of pus. This is more likely to occur in parts of the body that are subject to heat build-up, and therefore the part of more sweat glands that includes the underarms, buttocks, and the area under the breasts, particularly if a woman is large-breasted.
This condition isn’t the result of the poor personal body hygiene; nor is it brought about by being overweight. While little is understood or researched about exact reasons, researchers normally theorize it can have a genetic element; and it may also be related to the spectrum of the autoimmune diseases.
Severe attacks of the condition needs a doctor’s care. In cases where the lesions are too painful, they may require to be lanced – something you may not attempt on your own. In addition to that, the doctor may also prescribe a course of antibiotics, so as to try to stop the attack from spreading. Small and localized flare-up, however, can be dealt with as indicated below:
- Keep the area under the breasts as cool and dry as possible. Wear a cotton bra when dressed; in private, try as much to expose the area to air whenever possible.
- Wash regularly using a hexachlorophene-based anti-bacterial soap.
- Use warm, moist compresses (e.g., a clean washcloth that is dipped in hot water and wrung out); this can assist to reduce the swelling
- Take an anti-inflammatory painkiller to reduce any discomfort
Pimple on breast or the bumps that merely look like acne may occur anywhere on the body. However, they can be disconcerting when they are on the breast. With a lot of concern over the breast cancer and other abnormalities, a pimple-like bump on or around the nipple may lead to you to panic. Thankfully, most of the odd little bumps on the breast are not much to be concerned about, though you can still see a physician if you feel concerned.
Pimple like Bump on Breast that Hurts
Pimples or bumps that merely look like pimples can appear anywhere on the body. However, they can be disconcerting when they are on the breast. With so much concern over breast cancer and other abnormalities, a pimple-like bump on or around the nipple could cause you to panic. Thankfully, most odd little bumps on the breast are nothing to be concerned about, though you should still see a physician if you are concerned.
Treatment
Treatment for pimple-like bumps on the breast will depend on their cause. For acne, washing the area twice a day with a mild cleanser and applying an over-the-counter acne cream that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid should do the trick.
Montgomery glands are normal and require no treatment. A yeast infection in the skin folds of the breast will require the application of a topical anti-fungal cream available over-the-counter or by prescription. Eating less sugar and supplementing with probiotics may also help cure the infection.
An abscess is the swollen area of the body that is filled with pus (liquid filled with the dead white blood cells). The swelling and pus are because of a local infection. Abscesses in the breast may often happen in lactating women who are breastfeeding.
A breast infection in a breastfeeding woman is usually mastitis. Mastitis is the infection that leads to swelling and the redness in the breast area, among other symptoms. It can be brought about by a clogged milk duct or by bacteria that is entering the breast through the broken skin on the nipple or even through the milk duct opening.
One type of breast infection that may happen in non-lactating women is the sub areolar breast abscess. Sub areolar breast abscesses are infected lumps that happen just under the areola (the colored skin around the nipple).
A sub areolar breast abscess is brought about by a blocked duct or gland inside the breast. This blockage can bring about an infection under the skin. Sub areolar breast abscesses normally occur in younger or middle-aged women who are not at the moment breastfeeding. Most commonly, they happen following breast jewellery piercings.
When the sub areolar breast abscess first develops, you may observe some pain in the area. There will likely be a lump under the skin and even some swelling of the nearby skin. Pus may also drain out of the lump if you push on it or if it is cut open. The infection may then start to form a fistula, which an abnormal hole from the duct out to the skin. If the infection is very severe, nipple inversion can happen. This is when the nipple is drawn into the breast tissue rather than pointing out.
Pimple under Breast
Zits and pimples under breast, especially if they are small and in clusters or appear as a rash under your breast could be caused by heat rash. This is common in people with a bigger breast. The lack of aeration may cause sweating and blockage of sweat pores. This will cause a sweat pimple under breast.
However, in some cases, a fungal infection can develop on the skin below the breast. This happens a lot if proper hygiene is not kept in that area. In this case, you might get itchy bumps under the breast area. Anti-fungal treatments may be prescribed to get rid of the infection fast.
How to Get Rid of Bumps on Breast
Nobody likes getting pimples, whether they’re on your face or your breasts. They’re painful, unattractive, and embarrassing. Acne can happen to anyone at any age, and appear on different parts of your body for a variety of reasons. However, it’s important to remember that it’s treatable, and while uncomfortable, pimples aren’t usually a major health risk.
Certain things can make pimples worse:
- Genetics. Acne can run in your family.
- Diet. Some research shows that dairy products might be linked to acne. A 2009 study found a connection between the amount of dairy eaten and the risk of developing acne as well as breast cancer. Chocolate and carbohydrates may also be suspects.
- Medications, such as corticosteroids.
- Hormones. In women, pimple outbreaks can be linked to hormonal changes that happen during menstruation and pregnancy.
- Stress. This can add to acne woes.
Treatments
You can treat breast pimples by changing certain habits and using over-the-counter medications, or a combination of the two. Often this is enough to provide relief.
When pimple on breast does happen there are several at home treatments that may help get rid of it. Tea tree oil that is applied overnight can help calm skin, as might over the counter acne pads. Washing using a mild acne cleanser may help, though such cleansers might also be too strong for delicate breast skin.
If over the counter treatments do not work there may be prescription options which can help so don’t hesitate to speak to the doctor about the condition. Whatever you do, avoid touching or squeezing spots as this does little to end the acne but creates several opportunities for the infection and eventual scaring.
Habits
- Wash the area twice each day with a mild soap.
- Wash your hair when it feels oily. If you have long hair that reaches your chest, it could be contributing to pimples.
- Shower after a workout or heavy sweating.
- Avoid exposing your chest to the sun.
- Use sunscreens that are oil-free so they won’t clog pores.
- Tea tree oil can be bought as a gel or wash and might help to reduce acne.
- Creams and lotions made with zinc may help cut down on breakouts.
- Birth control pills. For some women, the hormones in birth control help to regulate acne.
- Over-the-counter creams and gels with ingredients that include: benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid.
Creams and Home Remedies
Medications
If you don’t get relief from these methods, you might want to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists specialize in skin conditions and treatments, and can help you determine what’s contributing to your breast pimples. They can also prescribe stronger topical medications or oral medications to treat pimples.
What Not to Do
There are some things that can make pimples worse or more irritated. Avoid:
- Using harsh soaps with ingredients like alcohol, which dries out your skin.
- Scrubbing too hard.
- Popping, squeezing, or picking at pimples. This can lead to scars.
- Staying in sweaty clothing after a workout.
When Should You Worry?
In some cases, bumps on breasts could be a sign of an infection or a potential warning for breast cancer. For example, in women who are breast-feeding, the appearance of pimple-like bumps may be a sign of a yeast infection. According to the American cancer society, skin irritation or dimpling might be an early sign of breast cancer.
If your pimples don’t look like regular acne, are especially painful, or don’t go away with regular at-home or over-the-counter treatments, see your doctor. He or she will be able to evaluate and rule out other, more serious causes.
Preventing Breast Acne
The best methods to prevent breast acne are those that keep the skin of the chest very clean and dry.
Avoiding a tight and synthetic materials, changing out of exercise clothing quickly, showering using antibacterial soap after a long day or even taking exercise, avoiding the heavy and heavily perfumed creams on the skin of the breasts and even drying properly following a bathing should all help to prevent breast acne.
Selecting of the bras that are made of cotton or any other breathable material, avoiding of lengthy baths using hot water and also perfumed bubbles and exfoliation the skin of the chest gently but consistently should also assist keep breast acne away.