What happens if congenital inverted nipple is not corrected?
Oct 09, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Liqiang
Introduction
In general, untreated congenital inverted nipples may lead to psychological stress, irregular breast shape, breastfeeding difficulties, breast infections, and blocked mammary ducts. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. If individuals are affected by inverted nipples, they should consult a doctor to learn about possible corrective methods and management options, so as not to delay proper care.
In general, untreated congenital inverted nipples may lead to psychological stress, irregular breast shape, breastfeeding difficulties, breast infections, and mammary duct blockage. Patients are advised to follow medical advice for appropriate treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Psychological Stress
Inverted nipples may negatively affect a woman's self-confidence and mental well-being. Some women may feel inferior or dissatisfied, which could impact their self-image and sexual life. Under medical guidance, patients can gently pull the nipple outward by hand until mild discomfort (but within tolerable limits) is felt. This helps stretch the fibrous ligament-like bands pulling the nipple inward, promoting normal nipple development.
2. Irregular Breast Shape
Inverted nipples may compress surrounding breast tissue, potentially leading to tissue atrophy and irregular breast contours over time. If aesthetics are affected, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation and surgical correction at a qualified hospital.
3. Breastfeeding Difficulties
Inverted nipples prevent the nipple from protruding normally, making it difficult for infants to latch and suckle properly, thus causing breastfeeding challenges. This may result in poor milk flow, breast engorgement, and inadequate infant nutrition. Patients can use a breast pump to express milk, which also helps prevent nipple cracking.
4. Breast Infections
Due to inverted nipples, moisture may accumulate around the nipple area, damaging the skin and increasing the risk of breast infection. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Patients may use medications such as cefixime capsules or cefaclor capsules as directed by a physician.
5. Mammary Duct Blockage
Inverted nipples may impair smooth milk drainage, increasing the risk of blocked milk ducts. Duct blockage can cause breast pain, milk accumulation, and may progress to mastitis. Patients may take roxithromycin dispersible tablets or azithromycin tablets under medical supervision.
If patients experience any adverse effects due to inverted nipples, they should consult a doctor to learn about possible corrective methods and management options to avoid delaying treatment.
