Why some people have ‘pepperoni nipples’ as women question what to do if they have them
Nipples come in all shapes and sizes
The human body comes in many shapes and sizes, and everyone is different - but society has come up with unrealistic standards that lead people to think there’s something wrong if they don't look like celebs or models.
From our hair colour and texture to our skin tone, blemishes and features, it can be easy to look in the mirror and compare yourself to others.
This annoying term is also something that doesn’t help, either.
A lot of us are familiar with the term 'burger nipples', which refers to large areolas that get (often derogatorily) compared to a burger patty.
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Let me tell you, having seen my own, women in my family and even friends’ nipples, not one of us has the same shape, size, or colour.
That’s totally fine and I’ve never thought anything odd about it.
The look of nipples has many determining factors, such as pregnancy or race, or pure genetics. Nipples definitely don’t look the same after breastfeeding, either.
Now that everybody has their head around 'burger nipples' - which are perfectly normal, might I add - there's another bizarre term on the scene.
'Pepperoni nipples' has been the latest phenomenon making the rounds online, leading many people to second guess the way their breasts look.
As is the case with the above, they are perfectly normal and unique to you and you should not feel any need to change them.
But in case you haven't heard of them, let's get into it.
What are 'pepperoni nipples'?
Pepperoni nipples are a term given to nipples that are similar in size, shape and sometimes colour to pepperoni.
Ultimately, 'large' and circular areolas that may be slightly redder in colour.
FYI - they are not indicative of any health issues, are nothing to be ashamed of - and it's safe to assume a lot of people actually prefer the way they look.
Why are some nipples larger in size than others?
Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, told Cosmopolitan UK: "The size, shape, and colour of the areola often change over your lifetime.
"In general, the areola tends to enlarge and darken in colour, with age.
"During pregnancy, levels of the melanocyte-secreting hormone become elevated, leading to hyperpigmentation of the skin, including the nipples."
Some people online have been reaching out on Reddit, questioning what to do about their 'pepperoni nipples'.
One person asked: "Are pepperoni nipples weird?"
However, one Redditor responded: "No, they're not weird. They are normal anatomy. Particularly in people with big breasts. Bigger breasts usually equal bigger areolas."
'It's completely normal'
Another person said: "Nipples come in all shapes and sizes. They’re never weird and always lovely."
A third added: "Its normal and its okay to have breast like that and your body is unique and beautiful."
Women's Health Interactive says: "If you asked your doctor about your large areola size, they’d tell you that it’s completely normal and that you have nothing at all to be concerned about."
The site adds that it’s normal to 'suddenly develop larger nipples or bigger areolas due to hormonal fluctuations in the body that relate to the menstrual cycle, puberty, pregnancy, or lactation'.
Dr Lee also noted: "There is nothing to be ashamed of if your nipples look like this.
"All nipples look different."
Topics: Women's Health, Health
Britt Jones