Medical Disclaimer: Any new nipple change should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Normal Variation
Nipples vary enormously in shape, size, and orientation. Inverted, flat, or protruding nipples are all normal. Hair around the areola is normal. Slight asymmetry is normal. What matters is knowing your personal baseline.
Changes to Take Seriously
- New inversion of a previously protruding nipple
- Persistent discharge — particularly if bloody, spontaneous, or from one nipple only
- Skin changes — scaling, crusting, or persistent redness
- Significant change in size, direction, or appearance
Paget's Disease
A rare condition presenting as nipple skin changes resembling eczema — scaling, redness, crusting — that can be associated with underlying breast cancer. Any persistent nipple skin change not responding to treatment should be assessed for this specifically.
