wyldthang95 writes: "I had my nipples pierced some years ago. I had them pierced for a few years when I had to remove them due to being in the hospital for a major surgery. I was in the hospital for some time, and by the time I was well enough to re-insert the nipple ring it had closed. Now I have what I would call two everlasting 'white heads' on each side of the nipple where it was pierced. I can squeeze the nipple to get out the gunk but I can never get it all so it always comes back. What can I do to help these 'white heads' heal? I'm really concerned because I'm now pregnant and would like to be able to breast feed my baby without having to worry that they will be sucking that gunk in along with my breast milk."
Forum Discussion: Whiteheads on Nipple Piercings?
From Karen L. Hudson, About.com Guide August 24, 2008
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Comments
It’s really not good to get opinions about how a piercing is healing from someone who has not seen your piercing but to me it sounds like you never fully healed. The simplest thing to try would be to put the (carefully cleaned) jewelry back in to keep the piercing open and to allow more thorough cleaning. Since it sounds like you have puss forming try something like bacitracin after cleaning with something neutral (such as saline solution) and rotating the bacitracin coated ring through the piercing to ensure that the healing fistula (piercing) is coated through and through with the antibiotic. If left untreated these unhealed piercings could turn into cysts. Also worth noting is that when the piercings seem healed they will still be very prone to relapse until months of toughening up pass without incident.
I’m a proud breastfeeding momma.I had my nipples pierced for 11 years before I found out I was pregnant.I removed my beloved jewlery because of my ever-changing body and desire to nurse.
I also had the “white stuff” build up in my empty hole (it will also build up on jewlery if not cleaned regularly)
It is pefectly normal.You can squezze the stuff out but nipple stimulation causes contractions.So don’t squeeze to much. I was concerned about the same thing until I spoke to a lactation consultant who said not to be concerned.
Once you start nursing the “yuck” won’t have time to build up.
It will stop. Mine did. If any does go into the babys mouth it’s okay so long as it’s not infected.
1) It is perfectly normal for a bit of “stuff” to build up in piercing holes.It should smell like a belly button and not hurt.
*****If there is a yellow color or pain,tenderness,and redness see a DR or professional.******
2)Unless you want to keep the piercing DO NOT put jewlery back through. You can breastfeed with jewlery but it poses choking hazards for the baby.It also causes latching problems and possible pain for baby.
Everything here is from personal experiance with guidance from a lactation consultant. If you have any doubts see a lactation consultant or cotact the LeLeche League in your area.
CONGRATULATIONS and GOODLUCK!!!!
I used to have my nipples pierced, and was also concerned about the “white stuff” being hazardous to baby when I was pregnant. I had my doctor squeeze some out and do a culture… there is no bacteria in it! The doctor said it was probably because the piercing crossed oil glands and that is what it is… it hasn’t gone away, and probably never will.