What causes black spots on the breasts?
Generally, the appearance of black spots on the breasts may be related to factors such as hyperpigmentation, residual stretch marks, endocrine disorders, mastitis, or diabetes. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed below:
1. Hyperpigmentation
The skin of the breast may be irritated by friction from clothing, which can stimulate melanin production. Excessive melanin deposition in the superficial skin layers may lead to black spots on the breast area. Local skincare using products containing whitening ingredients such as vitamin C or arbutin may help promote melanin metabolism.
2. Residual Stretch Marks
Some women develop stretch mark-like streaks during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to rapid expansion of the breast skin. After these streaks fade, they may leave behind dark spots. These residual pigmented areas typically gradually lighten over time and require only regular observation.
3. Endocrine Disorders
Long-term unbalanced diet, excessive dieting, or binge eating may lead to endocrine imbalances. Hormonal fluctuations caused by such imbalances may result in black spots on the breasts, often accompanied by symptoms such as irregular menstruation and dull skin. Hormonal regulation under medical guidance may include medications such as progesterone soft capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, or estradiol valerate tablets.
4. Mastitis
If a baby bites the nipple or the breast skin is scratched, bacteria may enter the wound and infect the breast tissue, leading to mastitis. During inflammation, melanocytes may be stimulated to produce excess melanin, resulting in dark spots on the breast skin, along with symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, and fever. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules, cefradine capsules, or roxithromycin capsules.
5. Diabetes
Excessive sugar intake may increase insulin resistance in body cells, impairing insulin's ability to transport glucose into cells and potentially leading to diabetes. In a high-glucose environment, blood circulation may be affected, causing black spots on the breast skin, along with symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue. Blood glucose control under medical supervision may involve medications such as insulin injection, metformin tablets, or gliclazide modified-release tablets.
In daily life, maintaining personal hygiene, keeping the breasts clean, avoiding pressure and friction, eating a balanced diet, minimizing sun exposure, and actively preventing skin issues on the breasts are recommended.