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Suggest Treatment For Cracked Nipples In A Lactating Mother
I have a 5 month old who I breastfeed/pump. Within the last few weeks, my nipples have been so sore to where they actually have cracked and now they are dry like flakes of skin are coming off. I have been applying the lanoish cream and it helps some but I don t know if it could be something more
Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Cracked nipples are a common problem during lactation.
There are couple of ways to allow healing of cracked nipples and prevent them from cracking further.
Sore nipples can be covered with nipple shields to prevent them from touching clothing and causing pain.
Express some breast milk and cover the nipples with breast milk.
Allow the nipples to dry in air.
Cracked nipples can be easily infected thus, topical antibiotic ointment can be used.
In case there is pain, oral painkillers can be taken.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Cracked nipples are a common problem during lactation.
There are couple of ways to allow healing of cracked nipples and prevent them from cracking further.
Sore nipples can be covered with nipple shields to prevent them from touching clothing and causing pain.
Express some breast milk and cover the nipples with breast milk.
Allow the nipples to dry in air.
Cracked nipples can be easily infected thus, topical antibiotic ointment can be used.
In case there is pain, oral painkillers can be taken.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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