For the past month I've noticed small cracks in my nipples, as well as little pimple-like growths surrounding the nipple only on the top (posted a topic about the bumps previously here).

I figured the lumps were contributing to the cracking, so I did what I usually do when popping does not cure a zit; with proper sterilization of the affected area and tools, I gently lanced the bumps with a small safety pin. This did nothing, and I had to jab into them further to release a sweaty oily looking substance. Some of them bled. I cleaned with peroxide and went to bed.

The bumps look as if they are healed - they are not as big...but I still see the cracks in my nipples, even worse. And after a little picking, they bled, and I can see the bloody inner skin of the nipples.

I have no discharge from my nipples...only this dry skin that came from nowhere.

I'm not breast-feeding (I'm only 17!), so I can rule that out as a cause. Everything on the internet I've found all suggests breast-feeding as the culprit, but it is not so for me.

.............

Any insight?

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Dark Stranger - figures the peroxide made her nipples dry