Understanding Breast Care: Common Myths and Misconceptions
When purchasing a bra, sales assistants often emphasize the importance of ensuring that all 'side breast' tissue, or excess flesh around the armpits, is tucked into the garment. However, recent discussions at a breast health awareness event have unveiled a concerning truth: tightly compressing side breast tissue is one of the four significant misconceptions regarding breast care. Dr. Yang Haiyan warns that this practice can impair blood circulation in the area and may even elevate the risk of cancer.
Myth 1: Exfoliating "Pimples" on the Areola with Scrubs is Beneficial
Many young women have noticed tiny, pimple-like bumps on their areolas and mistakenly resort to squeezing them, often extracting a paste-like substance. Unfortunately, these bumps can reappear within days, and continued squeezing may cause them to grow larger.
According to Dr. Yang, the glands on the areola serve an essential function in our physiological processes. The skin in this area is adorned with hair and glands, including sweat and sebaceous glands. The visible bumps are actually sebaceous glands, which secrete oils to protect the delicate nipple and areola.
She advises against wearing bras with thick padding, particularly during hot summer months, as they can trap heat and inhibit airflow, potentially obstructing gland openings. If "pimples" persist or grow larger, seeking a specialist's advice is crucial. Using facial scrubs to manage areolar bumps can lead to irritation and infections and should be avoided.
Myth 2: Tucking in Excess Flesh Can Enhance Breast Appearance
“Do not underestimate the significance of side breast tissue; it, like mammary glands, can react adversely," states Dr. Yang, who heads the breast department at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine's First Affiliated Hospital. Recognizing the role of side breast tissue is equally vital for women's breast health.
Humans typically have two mammary lines that extend from the armpits to the groin, but evolution has led most of us to retain only a pair of mammary glands, with others regressing. Interestingly, some individuals may develop additional pairs of breasts, complete with nipples and glandular tissue. Research suggests that 95% of supernumerary breasts occur in the chest region, particularly at the front of the armpit.
Dr. Yang points out that functioning glandular tissue within the side breast area can create cyclic discomfort as well as potentially benign or malignant tumors. It is vital to differentiate between growths in the side breast and those from the main breast tissue when lumps are detected in the armpit. Although larger or more prominent side breast tissue can cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns, surgical removal is generally only recommended based on individual preference.
She encourages women to refrain from squeezing side breast tissue and to wear properly fitted bras that do not compress this area excessively. While some shaping bras are marketed under the guise of enhancing breast fullness by tucking in all side flesh, this method can lead to prolonged pressure on side breast tissue, hampering blood flow and increasing the likelihood of proliferative diseases.
Conclusion
Understanding the facts about breast health is crucial. Avoiding common misconceptions, such as improperly managing side breast tissue and using harsh exfoliants, can significantly contribute to maintaining overall breast health. Always prioritize comfort and consult healthcare professionals when in doubt.