Whiteheads on Breasts that Won't go Away During Pregnancy

In case you are wondering whether they are normal, whiteheads on breasts are quite common. They are especially likely to flare-up during pregnancy or when after birth when breast feeding. They may appear as pimples under the breast, around the nipples or even on the chest between the breasts. Below we discuss what to do when they won't go away and how to get rid of them.

Whiteheads on Breasts

Whiteheads are a mild form of acne that appears as small round bumps which are usually white or yellow. They range in size and can at times be invisible to the eye while others will grow large enough that you can feel them as lumps trapped beneath the skin.

Whiteheads on breasts occur when there is accumulation of dirt, sebum and dead skin cells in the pores. They are open comedone which makes their treatment more challenging than when treating blackheads which are open.

What Causes Whiteheads around the Breasts?

There are a myriad of reasons that increase the likelihood of experiencing whiteheads on areas around the breasts as well as at the back.

Hormonal Imbalances

These are common during puberty, menopause, pregnancy, and when women stop using contraceptives. During these seasons in life, the brain signals the pituitary glands to produce androgens. These in turn trigger the oil glands to produce more oil than is necessary. The excess sebum results in the pores around the breasts getting filled up. As a result, it becomes impossible to shed off dead skin cells and dirt from the follicles. When this blockage accumulates within an enclosed pore, whiteheads on are seen.

Genetic Predisposition

In some cases, hereditary factors are to be blamed for eruption of whiteheads on breasts and other areas on the body. People who come from families with parents experiencing acne are likely to have the same too. Genes predispose you to skin sensitivity and also determine how your skin reacts to hormonal changes. In addition, shared lifestyle habits in family lines have a bearing on skin conditions affecting members.

Stress

According to research, stress predisposes victims to whitehead breakouts on the skin, the breasts included. Sebum-producing cells contain stress hormone receptors. When going through stress, the production of sebum becomes unregulated resulting in pores on the breasts becoming blocked. This triggers the formation of cystic acne, pimples, and whiteheads on eyelids. This is why you will experience breakouts and flare-ups of acne in times of high stress and mental pressure.

Lifestyle Tendencies

Some lifestyle tendencies predispose you to formation of whiteheads on the breasts and back. Smoking, exposure to excessive heat, a greasy diet as well as high consumption of dairy products are all thought to contribute to whitehead formation. In addition, wrong choice of bras and clothes may inhibit the skin from shedding dead skin cells and trap sweat in the pores which facilitates formation of whiteheads on breasts.

Whiteheads on Breast during Pregnancy and after Childbirth

During pregnancy and after child birth, the breasts start producing milk in readiness for the baby. Some of the milk may get stuck at unopened ducts near the edge of the nipple resulting in tiny white bumps that take the appearance of whiteheads. These should resolve on their own and go away as the baby nurses. Additionally, hormonal changes occurring during this phase could result in the whiteheads on breasts. Once the hormones stabilize, the breasts should go back to their normal appearance.

Whiteheads on Breasts Won’t go away

If you experience whiteheads on breasts that won’t go away even after home remedies or over the counter topical treatments, you need to see your doctor immediately. The same applies to pimples on breasts that are irritating, painful and swollen. Visit the doctor to dispel doubts and ensure it is not an early sign of breast cancer. Exiting

How to get Rid of Whiteheads on Breast

Keep the skin around the breasts and beneath them dry. Ensure you wipe off with a towel and if you anticipate excessive sweating, apply powder.

1. Always take a shower after working out or engaging in sweaty activity to discourage sebum buildup and prevent the pores on the breast area from getting clogged.
2. Use soap with salicylic acid to help dry out excess sebum found in whiteheads on breasts and clear them in the long run.
3. Wear bras that are the right size and which are made of cotton to allow for free flow of air and avoid sweat getting trapped as it could worsen whiteheads on breasts.
4. Discourage excess production of sebum on the surrounding skin by keeping it well moisturized.
5. Apply topical treatments for whiteheads on breasts removal such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid creams.
6. Exfoliate the skin under your breasts regularly to get rid of dead skin cells and prevent eruption of whiteheads.