The small prominence at the tip of each breast. Women’s nipples contain tiny openings through which milk can pass. The nipple and the areola, a surrounding area of dark skin, both increase in size during pregnancy. Involuntary muscle in the nipple allows it to become erect.
Structural defects of the nipple are rare. An inverted nipple is usually a harmless abnormality of development. Nipple inversion that develops in older women is mostly due to ageing, but mammography may be advisable to rule out the possibility of cancer.
Cracked nipples, common in the last months of pregnancy and during breastfeeding, may lead to infective mastitis. Washing, drying, and moisturizing the nipple daily can help to prevent cracking. Papilloma of the nipple is a noncancerous swelling attached to the skin by a stalk. Paget’s disease of the nipple appears initially as persistent eczema of the nipple and is due to a slow-growing cancer arising in a milk duct. Surgical treatment is required.Discharge from the nipple occurs for various reasons.
A clear, straw-coloured discharge may develop in early pregnancy; a milky discharge may occur after breast-feeding is over.
Galactorrhoea (milk discharge in someone who is not pregnant or breast-feeding) may be caused by a hormone imbalance, or, rarely, a galactocele (a cyst under the areola).
A discharge containing pus indicates a breast abscess.
A bloodstained discharge may be due to a noncancerous breast disorder or cancer.
The small, sensitive prominence at the tip of each breast (see BREASTS) containing (in women) the small openings through which milk can pass from the milk glands in the breast tissue. The nipple and its surrounding area (the areola) are darker than the adjacent skin. The area becomes darker during pregnancy.
(mamilla, papilla) n. the protuberance at the centre of the *breast. In females the milk ducts open at the nipple.
Due to a number of causes. Unlike colostrum secreted during breast-feeding after delivery. A pathological nipple discharge is non-milky, recurs from time to time, and is usually only from one nipple. It may be watery or a sticky yellow, staining being detected on bra or pyjamas. When blood-flecked it should be promptly investigated by a competent authority.
When the discharge is yellow, indicating pus, an infection is suspected which may develop into an abscess. Herbal treatment can be effective but if, after a week, the condition has not improved surgical exploration may be necessary to remove the affected duct.
Alternatives. Clivers, Goldenseal, Fenugreek, Marigold, Poke root, Queen’s Delight, Wild Indigo. Taken as tea, powder, liquid extract or decoction.
Tea. Formula. Equal parts: Red Clover, Clivers, Gotu Kola. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily.
Powders. Formula. Wild Indigo 1; Echinacea 2; Poke root 1. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) thrice daily.
Tinctures. Formula. Echinacea 2; Goldenseal 1; Poke root 1. Dose: 30-60 drops thrice daily.
Topical – for sore nipples. Wheatgerm oil, Evening Primrose oil. Lotions: Goldenseal, Marigold, distilled extract of Witch Hazel. Nipples to be washed before a child is again put to the breast. Cracked nipples: Comfrey – pulp from fresh plant, or equal parts powder and milk as a paste.
Minerals: magnesium, zinc. ... breasts, nipples, discharge
Soreness of the nipple caused by clothing rubbing against it, usually during sports such as jogging or long-distance running. Both men and women can be affected. Prevention is by applying petroleum jelly to the nipple before prolonged running.
joint The junction between 2 or more bones. Many joints are highly mobile, while others are fixed or allow only a small amount of movement.
Joints in the skull are fixed joints firmly secured by fibrous tissue. The bone surfaces of mobile joints are coated with smooth cartilage to reduce friction. The joint is sealed within a tough fibrous capsule lined with synovial membrane (see synovium), which produces a lubricating fluid. Each joint is surrounded by strong ligaments that support it and prevent excessive movement. Movement is controlled by muscles that are attached to bone by tendons on either side of the joint. Most mobile joints have at least one bursa nearby, which cushions a pressure point.
There are several types of mobile joint. The hinge joint is the simplest, allowing bending and straightening, as in the fingers. The knee and elbow joints are modified hinge joints that allow some rotation as well. Pivot joints, such as the joint between the 1st and 2nd vertebrae (see vertebra), allow rotation only. Ellipsoidal joints, such as the wrist, allow all types of movement except pivotal. Ball-and-socket joints include the hip and shoulder joints. These allow the widest range of movement (backwards or forwards, sideways, and rotation).
Common joint injuries include sprains, damage to the cartilage, torn ligaments, and tearing of the joint capsule.
Joint dislocation is usually caused by injury but is occasionally congenital.
A less severe injury may cause subluxation (partial dislocation).
Rarely, the bone ends are fractured, which may cause bleeding into the joint (haemarthrosis) or effusion (build-up of fluid in a joint) due to synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining).
Joints are commonly affected by arthritis.
Bursitis may occur as a result of local irritation or strain.... jogger’s nipple
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