Nipple Health Guide

Normal Nipple Variations

Nipples come in enormous variety — inverted, flat, protruding, large, small, with visible Montgomery glands (small bumps on the areola). Hair around the areola is normal. Slight asymmetry between the two is normal. What matters is knowing what is normal for you specifically, so that changes are noticeable.

Changes to Watch For

• New inversion of a previously protruding nipple
• Discharge that is bloody, persistent, or from one nipple only
• Skin changes on or around the nipple — scaling, crusting, or redness that doesn't resolve
• Significant change in appearance, size, or direction

Nipple Discharge

Milky discharge outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding can be caused by hormonal factors, certain medications, or benign conditions. Bloody, persistent, or discharge from one nipple only warrants medical assessment. Clear or slightly coloured discharge expressed only by squeezing is generally less concerning but should be mentioned to your doctor.

Paget's Disease of the Nipple

A rare condition that presents as skin changes on the nipple that resemble eczema — scaling, redness, and crusting. It can be associated with underlying breast cancer. Any persistent nipple skin change that doesn't respond to standard eczema treatment should be assessed by a doctor specifically considering this diagnosis.