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 or pain to the lactating mother while breastfeeding
May or may not be painful in general ^[7]

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 the nipples, use a nursing pad to ease the friction^[6]

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.
^ Jump up to: ^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.
^ Jump up to: ^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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[1] Association, Australian Breastfeeding (4 February 2012). "White spot on the nipple". Retrieved 12 August 2017.

[2] "Sore, tender and damaged nipples". New Zealand Ministry of Health. 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2017.

[FOOTNOTEWalker534-5-3] Jump up to: ^a ^b Walker, p. 534-5.

[4] Walker, Marsha (2011). Breastfeeding management for the clinician : using the evidence. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. pp. 534–5. ISBN 9780763766511.

[5] "Blisters on Nipples - Breastfeeding Support". Breastfeeding Support. 2014-08-18. Retrieved 2018-10-27.

[:1-6] Jump up to: ^a ^b ^c ^d "Information and Tips on How to Treat Nipple Blebs While Breastfeeding". Verywell Family. Retrieved 2018-10-27.

[7] "Milk Blister or Bleb: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention". Healthline. Retrieved 2018-10-27.

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hide v t Anatomy of the breast
Structure	Nipple Areola Areolar gland (gland of Montgomery) Mammary gland Lactiferous duct Terminal end bud Mammary alveolus Cooper's ligaments Tail of Spence Inframammary fold Intermammary cleft Retromammary space
Other	Mammary ridge

Nipple bleb

Contents

Symptoms[]

Treatment[]

See also[]

References[]