As Rita, Alex and Florence flash theirs in the name of fashion – what do your nipples say about your health?
AT the recent Euros, legions of football fans stripped off to bare their chests while cheering in the stands.
They were honouring the English tradition of whipping our clothes off at the slightest glint of sunshine.
And they were not the only ones.
Red carpets on both sides of the Atlantic have been graced by celebs in barely-there gowns, offering a hint at what lies beneath.
Rita Ora is a firm fan of the bold fashion statement, most recently leaving little to the imagination in a sheer number while watching Girls Aloud at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire earlier this month.
She also bared almost all at the Met Gala in May, as did fellow singer Doja Cat, model Emily Ratajkowski and actress Florence Pugh.
Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid have also been pictured in the risqué trend, while footballer-turned-pundit Alex Scott stunned fans in a see-through frock at the GQ Men Of The Year awards in November.
While showing nipples has become the attention-grabbing fashion statement of the moment, chances are most of us don’t pay them much attention outside of the bedroom.
But like the boobs or pecs they’re perched upon, they can give us an insight into our overall health.
GP Dr Sarah Garsed tells Sun Health: “The first thing to say is that no one should feel embarrassed about coming to their GP with questions about changes to their nipples. We are more used to examining nipples than you would guess and we would much rather check out any changes than not.
“Also, nipples usually don’t change too much, so becoming familiar with a body part so that you do notice changes can be a great way to keep an eye on your health.”
Here, we tell you what to look out for . . .
RED AND ITCHY
A RASH on the nipples usually has a key suspect – chafing – though in some cases, it has a sinister cause.
Our nipples protrude from our body, which makes them prime locations for rubbing against clothing and become itchy, sore or flaky.
If you exercise a lot, you might find you are more susceptible.
Women should try wearing well-fitted sports bras, and both sexes can benefit from chafing balms.
Dr Garsed says: “Chafing is sore and annoying but not dangerous.
“However, if you are not exercising and you notice your nipples becoming red, itchy, and flaky, see your GP as this could be a sign of Paget’s disease.
“Paget’s is a form of cancer involving the nipple and areola and should be caught early to improve treatment.”
With the condition, eczema-like symptoms appear on one nipple and may extend to the areola.
A burning sensation and bleeding may also be evident as symptoms.
INVERTED
ALTHOUGH quite rare, inverted nipples are typically not something to worry about.
Around ten per cent of people are thought to have them from birth.
Dr Garsed says: “Inverted nipples are caused by connective tissue pulling the nipple inwards – it’s that simple.
“Most people don’t suffer any pain or problems with this but a minor surgical procedure can draw the nipples back out for those who want it.
“Some women worry that they won’t be able to breastfeed if they ever have children but this isn’t the case as often nipples can protrude more in pregnancy and you can use nipple shields to help you breastfeed effectively if you wish.
“Many people don’t know how different our bodies are and how many people are born with tiny differences – it’s what makes us human.”
But, if you notice your nipples change and become inverted or “pulled in”, get checked by a GP. It can be a sign of breast cancer.
LUMPY
IF you have had a lump in your nipple for as long as you can remember, then this is likely to be no cause for concern.
But any sudden lumps in the nipple or the breast can be a sign that cancer is growing there.
Dr Garsed says: “Cancer of the breasts is very common, so any changes to the nipples that involve lumps should be checked out sooner rather than later.
“It is probably nothing to worry about, but getting nipple lumps checked by your GP is very sensible and could save your life.”
Other symptoms of cancer include a lump in the chest, collarbone area or armpit.
Breast lumps have a number of causes, including cysts and fibroadenomas, so don’t fret too much – but make sure to get them checked.
Intraductal papilloma is a generally harmless condition where wart-like lumps (papillomatosis) develop in a milk duct.
It’s usually close to the nipple but it can be found anywhere in the breast.
BREAST CANCER – THE VITAL STATISTICS
- 6,822 NEW CASES EACH YEAR
- 11,499 DEATHS A YEAR
- 32 DEATHS A DAY
- 23% OF CASES ARE PREVENTABLE
- 1 in 7 WOMEN WILL GET IT
LEAKY
MANY women experience small amounts of discharge from their nipples at various points in their life.
This happens with women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, and it is very normal.
However, a sudden discharge in those who are not breastfeeding could be a sign of something more serious.
The fluid is usually milky in texture and bluish, or clear in colour.
Dr Garsed says: “Discharge, usually out of nowhere, can be one of the first signs of an underlying condition like a harmless cyst, or breast cancer.
“If the discharge is only coming from one of your breasts, or it had any sign that it might have blood in it, then visit your GP to get it checked out.”
Nipple discharge from either nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.
Cysts, which are non-cancerous fluid-filled sacs, are among the most common breast lumps a woman may have.
They typically occur in women aged 30 to 50 and many won’t realise they have them.
HAIRY
A HAIR on the nipple is a common sight and, yes, it is natural – because nipples have hair follicles.
If you are female and you notice a sudden increase in the amount of hair on your nipples, and the hairs are darker than normal, it could be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Dr Garsed says hair growth is due to a hormone imbalance and a key feature of PCOS is an excess of “male” hormones.
She adds: “Visit your GP and explain the noticeable increase in hair and they will be able to assess other symptoms you might have.”
These could include hair loss from the head, oily skin or acne and irregular periods – which can affect fertility.
Medicines are available to treat these symptoms and, in most cases, women are still able to get pregnant.
Dr Garsed says of nipple hair: “If you are removing it, be careful. Like any hair follicle, they can get infected. If the follicles become painful, itchy or spotty, see your doctor as it can be a sign of infection.”
Check for cancer by giving your breasts a little TLC
IT is important we all get into the habit of regularly checking our breasts or chests for signs of cancer.
Make a note to do it on the same date each month, and get to know what is normal for you.
Everyone will have their own way of touching and looking for changes, says charity Breast Cancer Now.
You may find it easier in the shower or when lying down.
Check your whole breast area, including up to your collarbone (upper chest) and armpits.
TOUCH YOUR BREASTS:
Can you feel anything new or unusual?
Lumps, dimpling or puckering of the skin?
Is there pain anywhere?
LOOK FOR CHANGES:
In the mirror, look for changes in the size, outline or shape of the breast.
Are there changes to the nipple, such as a change in direction or a rash?
Does your partner notice any difference in your breasts?
You should flag any new or unusual changes with a GP.