Cracked and bleeding nipple

[Stephanie]

So, my right nipple has completely cracked all around the base of the nipple, where it joins the the rest of breast. It looks awful and I can't figure out what is causing it.

A few days ago, it looked like it was dry, like when you hands get really dry in the winter. There was one little crack, and then it just started to spread. It hurts like the dickens every time he nurses or I pump a work. I have been lubricating my pump since t his started happening.

I don't think it is his latch. He has been latching just fine. He had a few minor things when he was born and learning how to nurse. But that was almost 3 months ago, I don't understand why my nipple we would be all torn up now. It also seems like there would have been some pain before the cracking started, if it had been his latch.

I am just ready for it to feel better, it hurts all the time.

[Nipple_nectar]

Any new teeth? You need Lansinoh lanolin, lot's of it and lot's of fresh air. If you need to dress, put a huge dollup on a disposable pad as this stuff stains, to keep the wound moist. Make sure and use lanolin before and after each pumping session.

Sometimes, when your nipples are dry and your pump suction is high, that will cause a terrible crack which will only worsen without immediate intervention.

I strongly recommend a pair of silverette: a small pair of pure silver cups that you literally place on the nipple, will quickly heal any nipple trauma. I use them and stand staunchly behind the product, they are truly amazing:) You can read more here: www.breastfeedingheaven.com You can take up to 600mg of motrin for pain and I also recommend www.soothies.com

We just recently had a thread about the silverette: http://www.breastfeeding.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37232

[gravel10]

I had an issue to and my dd is 6mth I think she was gumming me to death. I love salt water rises they help s much and walk arounf top less if u can. I also used shield cause i bra were tourture. good luck

[Stephanie]

It looks worse today. My areola is lumpy (I can't think of a better way to describe it, there are big lumpy looking things, which is not normal for me) and streaked with red. Do you think it could be thrush? It doesn't look like there are any signs of it in baby's mouth.

[lolabear]

i was just diangnosed with thrush and my ds has no signs either. i had some lumpy areas on my areola also that were red and the skin had sort of peeled off. it couldnt hurt to have it checked out by your dr, i personally went to my ob/gyn b/c our fam dr is not well knowledged in the area of breastfeeding. yesterday morning my nipples were cracked open and bleeding so i know what youre going thru!!

[Stephanie]

Lovely how things always get bad on the weekend.

I was reading on dr sears website about using anti-fungal cream, if I treat it with over the counter anti-fungal, do I just put it on my nipple? Do I wash before ds2 nurses.

[lolabear]

i think most of them you would wash off, but i would double check with the pharmicist b/c my ob was telling me about so many kinds i could get OTC and some you have to wash off and some you wouldnt. there are tons of them, you can even use monistat for it. she also told me i could wash my nipples off with water with a little vinegar in it and sounds silly but it did help, she said that helps to keep the yeast from getting worse since yeast feed on sugar. after i left her office the other day she said when im done with the cream to put olive oil on my nipples also lol

[Stephanie]

I read about the vinegar, too. I have been doing that, too. Really, whatever will make me feel better the fastest.

[Nipple_nectar]

GSE will make you better the quickest, IMHO, it will eliminate thrush the quickest: www.drjaygordon.com/development/bf/thrush.asp

Please make sure to treat mom AND baby at the same time.