What should you know about a painful skin tag on the nipple?

A small stalk-like growth may become tender from bra seams, friction, dryness, or breastfeeding. However, a lump on or beside the nipple may be a blocked gland, inflamed follicle, boil, or abscess rather than a skin tag. Cellulitis can cause warmth, redness, swelling, and tenderness. Shingles can cause burning pain and blisters in a band on one side of the chest. Nipple discharge, crusting, inversion, or a persistent sore area should not be assumed to be simple irritation.

A clinician can inspect the nipple and areola and examine the breast tissue around them. Assessment is especially useful when the growth is new, changing, or repeatedly injured.

Keep the area gently clean and dry, choose soft non-rubbing fabric, and avoid picking or cutting the growth. If breastfeeding, note whether pain follows feeding and whether the baby’s latch is causing repeated trauma; a feeding specialist or clinician can help. Do not apply strong acids, wart treatments, or unprescribed steroid creams to the nipple. A clinician may discuss removal, testing, or treatment for infection after examination.

Arrange prompt review for bloody or clear discharge, a new inward-turning nipple, persistent crusting, an ulcer, a firm breast lump, or skin that becomes hot and rapidly red. Seek urgent care for fever, pus, severe swelling, or rapidly worsening pain. Emergency assessment is appropriate for breathing difficulty or sudden widespread swelling.

Ask whether the growth is truly a skin tag, whether it needs removal or testing, and how to protect the area during breastfeeding or exercise. Tell the clinician about discharge, recent pregnancy, lactation, trauma, or new products.