Everyone loves some good celebrity gossip. Whether it's a pregnancy announcement or a stunning health revelation, we all get some enjoyment out of realizing that stars actually are just like us.
When news broke that One Direction band member Harry Styles had a third nipple, teen girls (and adult women) all over the world were stunned.
Would the extra nipple affect Harry's health? people wondered. Where was his third nipple located? How did he deal with it?
People quickly learned that Harry's third nipples was no big deal.
In fact, extra nipples are nothing new, though celebrities who have them — like Mark Wahlberg, Tilda Swinton, and Carrie Underwood — definitely draw extra attention to this fairly common bodily feature.
Still, people have a lot of questions about third nipples. We're all pretty familiar with our "regular" nipples, but what are the differences between normal nipples and extra nipples?
Want to know more? Scroll down to learn about what third nipples are, why people have them, and more!
Thumbnail Photo: Wikimedia / Stefffffers
#1: What Is An Extra Nipple?
Extra nipples, also known as "supernumerary nipples," are nipples that grow on non-breast tissue.
Simply put, "supernumerary nipples are the presence of extra nipples," explains the US National Library of Medicine.
Although it sounds like the kind of thing most people would notice, plenty of folks actually have no idea that they have a spare nipple.
#2: Why Do People Have Extra Nipples?
According to the New York Times, there are two primary causes of third nipples.
One reason supernumerary nipples form is just as a variation of normal development.
After all, most other mammals have multiple nipples; it's not too surprising that some folks are born with a genetic throwback.
The other reason is a rare genetic syndrome. The Times article also explains that there are some genetic syndromes that may be associated with extra nipples.
#3: How Common Are Extra Nipples?
The New York Times explains that extra nipples are fairly common. Although most people just have one extra nipple, some people have had up to six supernumerary nipples!
According to the BBC, somewhere between 0.2% and 5.6% of people have supernumerary nipples.
#4: How Are They Different From Normal Nipples?
You might be wondering, "If so many people have third nipples, how come I don't see them?"
Well, unlike regular nipples, supernumerary nipples are very small and don't serve a purpose.
The New York Times explains that "they tend to be small and not well formed."
Generally speaking, an extra nipple looks more like a medium-to-large mole, and is likely to be flat.
#5: How Are They Different From Moles?
So now you might be thinking, "What makes extra nipples different from moles, then?"
The BBC explains that often, extra nipples do in fact look like freckles or moles.
The difference is that extra nipples actually do have glandular tissue, which means they can be affected by hormonal changes and diseases, unlike moles, freckles, and birthmarks, according to the BBC.
#6: Where Can Extra Nipples Occur?
The US National Library of Medicine explains that "extra nipples usually occur in a line below the normal nipples."
That being said, the BBC explains that although it's rare, extra nipples can occur in other places as well. In fact, people have reported finding extra nipples on their backs, shoulders, faces, necks, and even on their feet.
#7: How To Care For Your Extra Nipple
According to the US National Library of Medicine, most people don't need to do anything to care for a third nipple.
"Most people do not need treatment," they explain. "The extra nipples do NOT develop into breasts at puberty."
Some people do have extra breast tissue along with the spare nipple, and if that's the case, it's a good idea to keep an eye on it.
Any abnormalities you notice should be checked out by a doctor, just like with ordinary breast tissue.
Women who are pregnant or nursing might also experience mild swelling and lactation, according to lactation consultant Kelly Bonyata.
#8: When To Talk To A Doctor About An Extra Nipple
Although they usually don't require treatment, it's still worth telling a doctor if you have a third nipple.
Usually, parents will notice extra nipples during their child's infancy. If you find a third nipple on your baby, let your doctor know (especially if there are any other symptoms).
Let a doctor know if you experience any lumps or discharge around an extra nipple, as these might require medical attention.
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