Hello and welcome to HCM,
Sore nipples, crusting of nipples and pain during
lactation can be due to infection or skin lesion.
Infections are common during lactation.
Clinical examination of the nipples is required to look for evidence of infection.
Infection may be associated with pus discharge from the nipple(s).
In case discharge, it needs to be examined microscopically to look for infection.
If there is any evidence of infection, culture needs to be done to isolate the organism.
In case no discharge is present, skin lesion i.e.
eczema needs to be ruled out.
Eczema is more itchy than painful thus ruling out its possibility.
However, clinical examination is necessary for diagnosis and hence treatment.
thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal