Patient's question:
Patient Age: Main Symptoms: Itching Onset Time: Laboratory Test Results:Doctor's answer:
Nipple inversion is caused by poor nipple development or underdeveloped smooth muscle of the nipple and areola, which prevents the nipple from protruding. Nipple inversion is primarily due to underdeveloped nipple itself, or poor development of the fibromuscular tissue under the nipple skin, or wearing overly tight underwear or narrow bras during puberty, which squeezes the normally outward-protruding nipple and buries it into the breast tissue, forming an indentation. The hazards of nipple inversion mainly include:1. Accumulated secretions are difficult to discharge or clean, making it easy for bacteria to multiply and cause infection, leading to mammary ductitis, pain, and a foul odor.
2. It may cause difficulties in breastfeeding after marriage. If the child cannot latch onto the nipple, milk cannot be suckled, affecting their growth and development. It may also lead to milk stasis, causing breast swelling, fever, and severe pain. Due to the inability of the nipple to stand upright, breastfeeding may cause cracks, triggering mastitis.
3. The indented nipple will inevitably affect a woman's physical attractiveness to varying degrees.
What should one do if they discover nipple inversion? If the nipple is only slightly inverted, it is important to maintain local cleanliness by washing frequently with warm water and neutral soap. Daily massage of the nipple and areola, especially upward traction of the nipple to make it protrude, should be performed. Lubricating the area with liquid or edible oil during the process is recommended.
For mild inversion with a long nipple neck, gauze bandaging can be used to fix the position, usually lasting 2–3 months to restore normalcy. For deeper inversion with a short nipple neck, in addition to gauze bandaging, adhesive tape should be used to pull the inverted nipple, and the tape should then be fixed to the breast.