E PER LA SEZIONE ROSA........

Tell Me Doctor Is it comman to have whiteheads or even pimples on the nipple? It's not common. To prevent any kind of skin outbreak, keep your nipples scrupulously clean by washing them daily during your shower. A light scrub with a wash towel and some soap will do. What about bumps on the areola? White bumps on the arela are actually oil glands that protect the delicate nipple skin. Always keep your nipple area clean, as these bumps can get clogged and infected, although this is rare. Are inverted nipples unusual? Can i correct them surgically, using Medisave? Inverted nipples, ie nipples that turn inwards, are not unusual. You can try to correct the condition by drawing out the nipples between finger and thumb over several weeks. However, some women may find inverted nipples unaesthetic enough to opt for surgery. Its a simple day surgery (under local anaesthetic) and takes less than an hour. Yes you can use your Medisave. In a lactating mother, inverted nipples interfere with milk flow. What about nipples that have always been outwards but now turn inwards? Get a doctor to check such a change immediately as it could be a sign of breast cancer. What about puffy nipples? Nipples may swell a little just before a menstrual period. This is normal, but you should always see a doctor if there is a significant chane in your nipples, for instance, if the swelling does not go down or the shape becomes irregular. How do i prevent my nipples from getting chapped? Use a moisturizier, preferably unscented. Nipples can get sunburnt, too. A woman going out in the sun wearing nothing but a flimsy T-shirt or a thin-fabric swimsuit should protect her nipples with a sunblock - any kind for face or body will do. Why do nipples darken? They normally darken during pregnanacy because of increased pigmentation. Its is unusual for nipple colour to darken otherwise, unless they are exposed to the sun. Can anything be done to lighten nipple colour? Yes, some lightening creams and treatment with intense pulsed light treatment can help. Check with a cosmetic surgeon.

Playing Safe Examine your nipples and breast regularly and consult a doctor if you notice anthitng unusual or any change in the way they look. In front of the mirror Arms up, place your hands behind your neck and look for any signs of puckering, dimples or changes in the shape, size or symmetry of your breast. Now place your hands on your hips and check again. In the shower Soapy hands make it easier to feel your breasts for any lumps. Left arm up, place your left hand behind your neck and feel your left breast with your right hand, using the three middle fingers. Starting from the top of your breast, press firmly in a slight circling, massaging motion. Squeeze your nipples slightly and check if there is any discharge from your nipples. Examine your right arm up and feeling with your left ahand. Extend beyound the breast and check area under the armpits too. Lying down Facing up, place your left hand under your head and examine your left breast with your right hand. Use the same firm, curcling motion as mentioned above.