Harry Styles, Lily Allen and Mark Wahlberg have given their
analysis on nipples: the areola, or coloured skin surrounding the area and the
actual nipple in the centre.
Protruding
Nipples are raised a few millimetres above the surface and point outwards. These tend to harden and become more pronounced with cold or stimulation.
Inverted
Inverted nipples are tucked away inside the skin and not visible
It is sometime possible to bring the nipple out but
sometimes the muscles surrounding it are too tight
Flat
The nipple is flat and blends into the areola although it can still harden and protrude slightly with cold or stimulation.
Puffy
The entire area looks like a small, raised mound on top of the breast. Again, this can change with with cold or stimulation.
Inverted Unilateral
Inverted One nipple is raised, the other is inverted. This could be a sign of breast cancer unless it has always been that way which means it is likely to be perfectly safe. If it’s a new thing, you should see your doctor immediately.
Bumby
Bumps on the areola might worry you but they are perfectly normal. These bumps are called Montgomery glands and can sometimes look like whiteheads. Every woman has the glands, but some people are bumpier than others.
Hairy
Everyone has hair follicles in the nipple area but some can be hairier than others. The hairs can be fine or coarse but it’s perfectly safe to pluck them out with a tweazer.
Supernumerary
An extra nipple or two is rare but nothing to worry about. They look like flat moles or raised bump. The nipple retracts inwards. You can sometimes pull the nipple out with fingers but the muscles can be too tight.
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