What should you know about dimpling around nipple?

The areola and nearby skin may look uneven because of normal anatomy, hormonal changes, a scar, irritation, or inflammation. A retracted area can also occur when tissue beneath the skin pulls it inward. Dimpling around the nipple is a common presentation of breast cancer, but the appearance alone cannot identify the cause. Paget Disease of the Breast can affect nipple and areola skin and may cause scaling, crusting, burning, or discharge.

Look for differences from your usual appearance rather than trying to judge the shape against another person’s breast. A change that comes and goes with temperature or nipple erection may be less concerning, but persistence still deserves advice.

Inspect the area in good light with your arms down and then raised. Notice whether the indentation is on one side, whether the nipple has newly turned inward, and whether there is a lump, rash, fluid, or tenderness. Book a clinical assessment for a new change. The clinician may examine the breast and armpit and request ultrasound, mammography, or another test. Further context is available in [Breast Cancer](/conditions/breast-cancer/) and [Paget Disease of the Breast](/conditions/paget-disease-of-the-breast/).

Arrange prompt care if the skin pull is getting deeper or comes with bloody discharge, a new lump, persistent crusting, redness, warmth, swelling, or an ulcer. Seek urgent help for severe pain with rapid swelling or fever.

Ask whether the change involves the nipple, areola, or deeper tissue; which examination or scan is appropriate; and what symptoms should prompt faster follow-up. Tell the clinician about breastfeeding, recent injury, surgery, eczema, or nipple piercing.