Black spots on nipples and breast area may be caused by bruising, pimples and hyperpigmentation. Some may be normal but a persistent black spot that is itchy and grows into a lump or bump could mean cancer. You may get small circular black spots on your breast when pregnant. Here are the causes and treatment.
The appearance of black spots on nipples is quite common among the women, and should not be a major source of concern, as nipple color has been known to vary from one woman to the next.
The color of a woman’s nipples often depends on factors such as genetics and hereditary factors. If the woman’s skin is fair or bright, her nipples will tend to be pink or fair.
Where a woman has dark, black, or brown skin, the nipples will tend to be dark or brown. However, the skin can also change texture or color in response to hormonal shifts, as well as a loss of moisture.
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As a result, the appearance of dark spots on nipples may be related to a number of causes, some of which could be viral in nature.
For this reason, you will find that dark skin patches located around the breast that is still growing, or which continue to change their appearance will require an immediate visit to the GP, as it could be an indication that one is in the early stages of cancer.
Identification of black spots on nipples
There are certain irritations of the skin, which manifest as dark and flaky patches, and which can occur at any part of the body, including the breast.
- The irritations may include verrucae, also referred to as warts, and which is caused by the human papillomavirus.
- It is characterized by the appearance of dark pinpoint spots, as well as raised callouses.
- If a person was to come into contact with an infected person, they may end up getting warts.
On the other hand, dark, and flaky breast skin may be related to melasma, which is a skin condition that has a lot to do with hormonal changes in the body. According to Skin Sight, the online skin care resource, it has been noted that Melasma begins to worsen when there is an increased presence of estrogen, more so when a woman is pregnant, which then leads to the emergence of the black spots on nipples.
Quick facts on nipples
You may find some women with dark areolas, while others have darker nipples. When a woman is sexually excited, the areolas may start turning darker.
It is the reason why women in certain countries choose to darken their nipples by painting them, as a way of attracting potential male partners.
You will find that nipples come combined with many pleasing tiny nubs, and as such act as the secondary sexual part of any woman, which erects sex to her vaginal areas.
It should not come as a surprise to find that the two nipples on a woman’s body are not equal, as one could be bigger or darker than the other nipple.
Causes of black spots on nipples
Let us take a look at what causes the black spots on the nipples to appear:
1. Hair around the nipples
Normally, you will find that women do not have any hair on the outer parts of their nipples. However, there are a few women who have a little hair in the area surrounding their nipples, which appear like eyelashes.
As a result, you will find that there will be black spots on breasts because of these hairs
2. Pregnancy and black dots on breast
Becoming pregnant is a dream come true for many women around the world. The woman, however, needs to accept that this sweet blessing will bring with it changes to how she appears.
- For many pregnant women, skin darkening is a common phenomenon and can be seen in the areas around the face, eyes, as well as dark lines snaking across the woman’s abdomen.
It, therefore, comes as no surprise to find that dark spots on nipples are a common indication of pregnancy. Once conception has taken place, the area around the areolas may begin turning dark due to the presence of these spots.
The nipples and the breasts by extension will also begin to increase in size. All this is caused by the emergence of the pregnancy hormones.
At this particular stage, the black spots on nipples should not be a source of concern, as it is an indication that the woman’s pregnancy is progressing well. You will find that the darkness around the areolas will remain until the woman has given birth.
Once delivery is complete, the spots around the nipples will begin to disappear, allowing the skin to go back to its normal everyday color. At times, the black spots may remain around this area, which would require you to find ways to get rid of them.
3. Menstruation
Before you get your periods, and when they are ongoing, there is a likelihood that you may notice some changes in the color of your nipples.
There are women who become sick or feel weak throughout their bodies, others see their skin become dark, while others begin to notice black spots on nipples or experience dehydration.
However, this is all normal, and the nipples, as well as the surrounding area, should go back to its normal color after the periods have ended.
4. Puberty
Many girls reach the puberty stage at the age of eleven years, and others much later. During this particular period, the girl will experience breast puffing as well as have her first period.
As this happens, the area surrounding her nipples could become dark due to the emergence of the dark spots but should get back to normal when this stage is complete.
5. Dark dots on nipples after birth
When you give birth, the black spots on nipples may remain there for some time while you are still breastfeeding.
Women who choose to feed their babies using baby powder milk may see the black spots disappear much sooner than those who choose to breastfeed the normal way.
6. Aging
Another factor that can lead to the emergence of black spots on nipples will be aging. As the woman begins to grow older, her body will undergo a number of changes including darkening around the nipples, eyes, as well as the emergence of wrinkles and age spots.
7. Extreme exposure to the sun
When a person is exposed to the sun’s UV rays, there is a tendency for the exposed areas to get black spots.
You can remedy this by ensuring you stay away from the sun for the period between ten in the morning, and twelve in the afternoon.
If you cannot avoid the sun, then the best thing will be to ensure that you wear sunblock when heading out.
8. Medicine
Some of the medication available in the market right now may lead to a woman getting black spots on breasts if used on a continuing basis.
9. Hyperpigmentation
It is normal among people who suffer from acne. Given that the skin has already become traumatized, it then becomes hyperpigmented, which is what leads to the emergence of the dark spots.
The points discussed above highlight some of the possible causes of black spots on breasts. Upon getting the spots, there are people who will choose to immediately visit their dermatologists, while others may opt to try out different home remedies first.
10. Breast cancer
A lump in the breast area is likely to be a sign of cancer. In some people, it can be caused by swollen lymph nodes or a viral infection.
However, breast cancer can also show signs such as a black spot on the breast area. Both breast cancer and skin cancer can produce a dark brown spot on the skin. See a doctor for a checkup if you find a black area on your nipples or breast.
Home remedies for dark spots on nipples
Try the following home remedies to get rid of black spots on nipples and breast area.
Lemon juice
Some people view lemon juice as something they take when they want to quench their thirst, while others see it as a viable home remedy for different skin related conditions.
Lemon juice is highly acidic, particularly given that it is a type of citrus fruit. The acidity in this lemon juice comes in handy in helping a woman bleach the dark spots around her nipples.
Ingredients
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Q tip
What to do at home
- Take your lemon juice and place it in a container, such as a glass jar
- Add the sugar to the juice and gently stir them together
- Use the q tip to dab the lemon juice solution over the dark spots
- You should notice a change within a few weeks
Fruits
Apart from the fact that you require fruits to remain healthy, you will find that fruits may also be used in getting rid of the spots on your breasts, as well as the rest of the body.
One of the fruits you will need for this particular exercise will be the papaya fruit. In addition to helping regulate your bowel movements, you will find that papaya is also great for the skin.
Ingredients
Papaya peel
What to do at home
- You will not need the papaya pulp as you will be using the peel or the skin
- Take out the seeds and the pulp. ( you can always eat the pulp later)
- Once this is out, take the skin and rub it over the area that has the spots
- Your skin should begin to glow within a few days
- Try and apply the peel over affected areas a few times in a week
Parsley
Normally, parsley is used as a garnish in different meals as it helps them look better. However, it can also be used in eliminating unwanted dark spots from the body.
Ingredients
- Turmeric
- Parsley
- Lime juice
What to do at home
- Begin by grinding your parsley
- Ensure that it has been properly ground
- Combine it with your lime juice to form a stable paste
- Add in the turmeric and ensure that you stir them properly
- When this has occurred, take the paste and apply it in the area around your breasts that has been occupied by the spots
- Apply it two times a day
- Use a moisturizer of choice
Chickpeas
Chickpeas come with many good properties that are beneficial to the skin. The properties in the chickpeas will come in handy in ensuring that you eliminate all the dark spots that are bothering you.
What to do at home
- Boil your chickpeas until they become soft and very tender
- When they have become soft, proceed to mash them completely
- The mashed chickpeas should then be transferred to a clean bowl and stirred to form a paste
- Scoop the paste using your hands and apply it all over your spots
- Make sure to apply the chickpea paste on a daily basis
Buttermilk
It is one of the few home remedies known to have very rich properties. When used regularly on the skin, it can have an immediate effect
Ingredients
- Cotton swab
- Sour milk
- Lemon juice
- Buttermilk
What to do at home
- Take the sour milk and combine it with the buttermilk
- Add in the lemon juice and stir well to form a mixture
- If the spots are too many, you can always apply this paste on the entire area, instead of using the cotton swab
- Ensure you apply it two-three times each day
Lime juice
Lime juice is very similar to lemon juice in that it is obtained from a citrus fruit. It also comes with many very good properties, all of which will be of great benefit to the appearance of your skin.
If utilized properly, it can also be very beneficial in eliminating all the dark spots that could be present on it.
Ingredients
- Yogurt
- Lime juice
What to do at home
- Start by thoroughly mixing the yogurt and the lime juice
- Once it has been thoroughly combined, use a q tip to place it on the skin areas that are affected
- On application, ensure you leave it on the skin for at least thirty minutes
- Repeat application three times each day
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has always been known to be a great remedy for use with the hair. As such, there are people who do not think that it can make for a great remedy for the skin.
However, you should note that aloe vera is highly effective in helping people eliminate dark spots from their body parts, including the area surrounding the nipples.
What to do at home
- Take your aloe leaf and cut it into two pieces to access the aloe gel
- Take this gel and apply it all over your dark spots
- The gel is a bit sticky and may need to be washed after thirty minutes
- Apply three times a day for best results
Castor oil
Castor oil is not only great for aiding with the digestive system, but it can also help with your dark spots on breasts.
What to do at home
- For this particular purpose, you will not need to ingest the castor oil
- Simply take a cotton swab and use it to place the oil drops all over the affected skin area
- You will need to use it regularly to ensure that the spots begin fading
Pineapple juice
Pineapple juice comes with many properties that are ideal for your overall health. It is the reason why you should not find it surprising to learn that it can be used in eliminating the dark spots on your face, breasts, and the rest of your body.
Ingredients
- Cotton
- Pineapple juice
What to do at home
- Use the cotton swab to dab the pineapple juice all over the skin area that has been affected by the dark spots
- There is no need to wash the area after applying the pineapple juice
- Repeat application two times each day
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one home remedy that has very many uses. It is actually included in almost all home remedy lists, thanks to its many beneficial properties.
Ingredients
- Cotton ball
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cloth
- Onions
What to do at home
- Chop up your onions to form very thin slices
- Place the chopped onions over your chosen piece of cloth to allow the juices to come out
- Ensure you squeeze out all the juices using the piece of cloth
- Once you are done squeezing, combine the onion juice with your apple cider vinegar
- Take your cotton ball and use it to dab the concoction all over the area that has been affected by these dark spots
Looking at all the remedies discussed above, it is clear that there are more than enough home remedies that can be used in helping clear out the dark spots found on the breasts.
Important to note:
- When using home remedies to get rid of the unwanted dark spots around your breasts, you need to ensure that you carefully balance your solutions. Do not overuse them as they can darken or harm your nipples
- If you feel any irritation when using a particular home remedy, it is advised that you stop using it immediately, and try something else, as your skin could be sensitive to that particular remedy
- Excessive exfoliation or whitening of the skin may irritate your nipples, and it could make them appear drier than they should be
- If unsure about any particular remedy, first test it on an area that is not sensitive before using it on your nipples. The nipples are among the most sensitive areas of the body, and you must, therefore, ensure that you do not expose them to products that could irritate them, or which may cause a reaction.
How to lighten the dark spots
Apart from the home remedies that have been discussed above, you can also use over the counter medication, topical creams, and supplements to help you lighten the area surrounding the skin.
It is, however, always recommended to ensure that you consult your physician before trying out anything new, or something that you are not sure of, as it may end up hurting your skin.
Mulberry extract, vitamin c, and lactic acid
These are natural remedies that can be used in lightening the area that has been affected by the dark spots.
The elements will fade the old dark skin around your nipples or areolas and will help in regenerating a new skin layer that will not have the unwanted dark spots
Arbutin
Another great home remedy that can be utilized in removing the dark spots surrounding the nipples. It works by inhibiting the growth of melanin, through the removal of tyrosinase.
It is an enzyme that is known to assist in the production of melanin in the body.
Honey, cucumber, orange, milk, and avocados
Haven’t found a good ingredient to use on the dark spots? Just go to your kitchen and check whether you have any of these fruits
The ingredients are not only delicious when enjoyed on their own, but they also play a very important role of helping exfoliate your skin.
They will exfoliate the skin surrounding the areolas, ensuring that you remain with spots free skin
Vitamin C supplements
The supplements are extremely beneficial in helping lighten the skin surrounding your nipples, as well as lips.
The vitamin will help prevent further production of melanin as well as pigments. Additionally, it acts as an antioxidant, which helps in ensuring that your skin appears fuller and healthier.
If you do not want to take the supplements, you can always substitute them for lemon or orange juice. The two fruits contain vitamin C, do not irritate your skin, and will help eliminate the unwanted dark spots.
Licorice extract
It is another great remedy that comes in handy in lightening dark areas, such as your nipples. Licorice extract can be used both as a hot or cold root extract and can be applied to the area that has dark spots, including the nipples and the vagina, without experiencing any side effects.
If extracts are not available, you can consider purchasing licorice powder from the nearest drug store. You may also consider consulting with your GP to learn of other products, creams, or treatment options that can work for your type of skin.
References;
- http://darklipstips.com/
- http://naturalremedyideas.com/get-rid-of-black-spots/
- http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dermatology/Dark-black-dots-spots-on-penis-foreskin/show/1745755
- http://www.rapidhomeremedies.com/rashes-under-breast.html
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