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What Causes A Cluster Of Pus Filled Bumps On Areola During Lactation?

Posted on Fri, 20 May 2016

Question: I'm almost 5 weeks postpartum, and exclusively breastfeeding. 28 years old, no family or personal history of breast cancer or any cancer. Early on in my pregnancy I noticed a reddish bump on my areola. I didn't think much of it. Then the very end of January after moisturizing part of it came to a head and I popped it. It seems it's almost a cluster of three little white heads forming a reddish bump. Not tender, but still reddish in color and it came to a head in the same spot again today. Only one of the tiny white heads that make up this cluster pop. The bump is about the size of a pencil eraser. I'm terrified this is breast cancer as this bump isn't going away. Again it's reddish in color, made up of three little white heads that only one of them can pop.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Infection of glands

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have understood it.

To me it seems like an infection of areolar glands of XXXXXXX rather than a cancer.

I would suggest an oral antibiotic e.g amoxicillin or cephalexin, for a week.

Topically you may use an antibiotic cream/ointment e.g either mupirocin ointment or neosporin ointment, twice daily.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (10 minutes later)

Ok. Im attaching pictures. Its about the size of a pencil eraser and has been there for a month +. Im still very scared. It looks almost like a cluster of two or three tiny white heads. Sorry for the red nipples - again, im breastfeeding and my daughter doesnt have a good latch.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Infection of areolar glands

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have reviewed the images.

I would stick to my original diagnosis of possible infection of XXXXXXX glands. This is not cancer and would resolve with medications. It is safe to take the above mentioned oral antibiotics during lactation.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar