Clogged Pores on Breasts: What to do About Pimples and Blackheads on your Chest and Boobs

Are you concerned about clogged pores on breasts? Clogged pores can quickly turn into pimples or blackheads, which in addition to being unsightly on the breast area, can also be uncomfortable. If you’re worried about clogged pores on your breasts and want to know what you can do to get rid of or prevent breast pimples or acne, keep reading. We’ll share some important tips to keep your breasts free of unsightly and uncomfortable breakouts.

Table of Contents

• Clogged Pores on Breasts
• What Do Breast Pimples Look Like?
• Why Do I Have Breakouts on My Breasts?
• Should I Be Worried About Clogged Pores on My Breasts?
• How Long Do Breast Pimples Last?
• How Do I Get Rid of Clogged Pores on My Breasts?
• How Do I Get Rid of the White Bumps on My Nipples?
• Is It Bad to Pop Pimples on Your Breast?
• Wrap Up: Clogged Pores on Breasts
• FAQs

Clogged Pores on Breasts

Just as the pores on our face may become clogged with sebum, dirt, bacteria, sweat, or dead skin cells, our breasts also have pores that can also become clogged. Wearing a tighter bra can also contribute to the pores on the breasts getting clogged by trapping debris or sweat in the pores.

A clogged pore, which is also called a comedone, can turn into a blackhead or pimple.  While it is never fun to get pimples or blackheads on your face, you may be even more concerned to see them on your breasts.

However, don’t worry too much, pimples or blackheads on breasts are common and, in most cases, won’t cause any serious issues.  There are also steps you can take to get rid of these breakouts and even prevent them from happening in the future.

What Do Breast Pimples Look Like?

Ever wondered, “What are these pimple like bumps on my breast?”  Well, they could actually be pimples.  There are a few different ways acne may look on the breasts.

• Blackheads on the breasts will look like a dark bump on the skin’s surface.
• Whiteheads on the breasts will appear just beneath the skin’s surface and will look like a little bump.
• Pustules on breasts have pus on the top with a red bottom.
• Papules are pretty small bumps that are pink in color.  Papules are also often tender to the touch.
• Nodules are generally larger and more solid.  They are found deeper within the breasts and are often painful.
• Cysts are also located deeper under the skin.  They hold pus and are also often painful.

Sometimes, something that looks like a breast pimple may be something else.  Flea bites, mosquito bites, scabies, and bed bug bites may also appear similar to a breast pimple.

Why Do I Have Breakouts on My Breasts?

Acne breakouts on breasts occur for the same reasons it does on the face.  The pores of the breast become clogged with sebum, oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, dirt, or other debris.  When the pore is clogged, it can cause an acne breakout.

So, why are there whiteheads on my nipples, you may ask.  There are a few different factors that cause some people to be more prone to clogged pores and acne breakouts on their breasts.  These include:

• Stress
• Diet
• Hormones
• Medications
• Poor hygiene
• Wearing tight-fitting clothing
• Use of some creams or lotions
• Genetics

Should I Be Worried About Clogged Pores on My Breasts?

Are pimples on breast normal?  In most cases, having clogged pores or pimples on your breasts isn’t the end of the world.  There are a number of ways you can get rid of clogged pores, which we’ll share below, to prevent them from developing into a more serious problem.

If you are breastfeeding, however, clogged pores or clogged ducts could potentially develop into mastitis.  Mastitis is when the breast tissue becomes inflamed, and sometimes infected.  It can cause the breast to swell and can be quite painful.  Mastitis is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms.  If you suspect you are developing mastitis, you should reach out to a medical professional right away.

How Long Do Breast Pimples Last?

The length of time a breast pimple will last can vary.  Some pimples may take up to six weeks to completely go away, but in other cases pimples may be gone after just a few days.  Use some of the tips we’ll share below to help you get rid of pimples and prevent future breakouts. 

Also, resist the urge to try and pop a breast pimple.  This can introduce more bacteria into your pores and increase the chances of infection or more pimples.  Popping a pimple can also leave a scar on your breasts.

How Do I Get Rid of Clogged Pores on My Breasts?

Keeping your pores clear and free of the oil, dead skin cells, and other debris that is clogging them can help prevent pimples from forming.  There are a few different steps you should add to your routine to keep your pores clear:

• Cleanse your breasts: The first step in keeping pores unclogged is to add cleansing your breasts into your daily skincare routine.  Use warm water with a gentle cleanser formulated to remove oil such as CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser.  Using a cleanser will help keep the skin free of dirt and debris to prevent them from entering the pores and clogging them.
• Exfoliate the skin:  Exfoliating your breasts regularly will remove dead skin cells, excess sebum and oil, and other debris from the skin.  Since these are the same things that can clog the pores, removing them with exfoliation is a great way to be proactive and prevent clogged pores.

There are two different ways you can exfoliate the skin on your breasts.  The first is to use a sponge or loofah to gently scrub the area.  Take care not to scrub too hard, as it may cause the skin to become irritated.

The next option is to use a chemical exfoliant.  BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) can exfoliate the surface of the skin and deep within the pores to remove dead skin, oil, and debris.  Consider adding a BHA exfoliant, like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.

• Go natural:  Apple cider, aloe vera, and lemon juice can be quite effective at shrinking the pores, which can release the clogs.  Even better, they can also help prevent infections.  Consider applying one of these natural products on your breasts to keep them from clogging.
• Use an ice pack:  Applying ice to larger pores on your breasts will help them to become smaller.  This can make it less likely for them to get clogged.
• Shower right away if sweaty:  If you engage in strenuous exercise or another activity that makes your chest sweaty, don’t wait and shower right away.  This can help to quickly remove the sweat and other debris from your body to keep them from clogging your pores.

How Do I Get Rid of the White Bumps on My Nipples?

The most common cause for white bumps on the nipples is a blocked duct or pore for mothers breastfeeding a baby.  These white bumps may also be called blocked nipple pores or milk blebs.  In most cases, the best way to get rid of these bumps is to feed the baby.  The strength of the baby’s suction on the nipple is generally enough to remove the blockage.

If you find that the blockage remains after breastfeeding the baby, use a warm compress to loosen the blockage or try massaging your breasts while taking a hot shower.  Keep an eye on the blockage, and on your symptoms, because in some cases it could turn into mastitis.  Mastitis is an infection that can cause flu-like symptoms, so if you begin noticing any symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Is It Bad to Pop Pimples on Your Breast?

If you’re looking to clear breast acne, popping pimples on your breasts is not the way to go.  Pimples on breasts hold bacteria, and popping them can cause the bacteria to spread.  This could potentially result in an infection or cause additional pimples to form.  Popping a breast pimple may also leave a scar.

If you have clogged pores on your nipples, they are most likely related to breastfeeding and a blockage in the milk duct near the nipple’s surface.

To open clogged nipple pores, try using moist heat.  You can apply a warm washcloth, soak with a bath with epsom salts, or massage your breasts while taking a hot and steamy shower.

If none of these methods offer relief and the clogged pore is causing you pain, follow-up with your doctor.  They may decide to open the pore using a sterile needle. Do not attempt this without a professional, as it may lead into more serious medical problems.

Wrap Up: Clogged Pores on Breasts

As you can see, while clogged pores on your breasts certainly aren’t something to look forward to, they’re not the end of the world either.  Using the tips and products shared above can help you to unclog your pores and prevent pimples and other acne breakouts.

To learn more about caring for oily or acne prone skin, check out these related posts on our blog:

• Best Face Wash for Sensitive Oily Skin 
• Best Natural Face Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin
• Best Non-Comedogenic Foundations for Acne Prone Skin

FAQs