Montgomery's Glands

Montgomery’s Glands are small bumps on the areolae. They secrete a waxy substance that has anti-infective properties and keeps the areolae moist.

These glands may get irritated, inflamed or infected. Irritated Montgomery’s glands appear red and slightly swollen. Infected Montgomery’s glands may look pimple-like with a “white-head” at the tip. Irritated or infected glands can be painful to touch.

Montgomery’s glands may be inflamed by ointments, bra fabrics, breast pads, soaps, etc.

Both inflamed and infected glands will be soothed with salt water soaks. Mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup warm water, place in a shallow cup and soak nipples and areolae for approximately 3 minutes.

Occasionally, infected glands may require antibiotic therapy. If multiple glands have white heads or if one gland is larger than the size of a split pea, speak with your doctor.

The antibiotics recommended for most infected Montgomery’s glands are: cephalexin, dicloxacillin or clindamycin if you are penicillin allergic.