Moist wound healing for cracked and damaged nipples
by Cordelia Uys, NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor
Moist wound healing
Here is an examination of studies into how to treat cracked nipples:
https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/moist-wound-healing/
Although there is not enough research into this topic, anecdotally, many women report that moist wound healing works well for them. Please see the BfN link (above) for detailed information.
Here are some options mothers I’ve supported have found helpful:
Breastmilk: as a first step, it’s worth applying some expressed breastmilk to your nipples after feeds. Expressed breastmilk has no risk of allergy, contains antibodies and epidermal grown factor which may promote the growth and repair of skin cells.
Vaseline or a lanolin-based ointment: please be aware that there is no evidence that purified lanolin (e.g. Lansinoh) works better than Vaseline. Purified lanolin is more expensive, and people are more likely to be allergic to lanolin than to Vaseline. A pea-sized amount applied to the damaged area is sufficient. Smearing the whole areola with ointment should be avoided as it will become slippery, making latching harder. In addition, there are little glands on the areola (called Montgomery’s tubercles), which produce a sweet-smelling, antibacterial oil, which will be masked if too much ointment is applied.
Silver nursing cups: many mothers report finding these helpful, and there is evidence that silver is antibacterial, now a small study has demonstrated that silver nursing cups can be effective:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25989381/
However, it isn’t a good idea to wear silver nursing cups all day long, as mothers can end up with ‘marinated’ nipples:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2r0uBftE4-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
𝗝𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁: is available from pharmacies and consists of gauze squares soaked in yellow soft paraffin. It has been used as a wound dressing for years and many women find it works extremely well for helping nipples heal. Folding the gauze into a double layer helps prevent it from drying out. Jelonet also helps prevent damaged nipples from sticking to bras or breast pads. Remove before feeding and apply a fresh piece after each feed. The areola and nipple don’t need to be washed before feeding the baby. Excess ointment can be wiped off before latching the baby if the area is sticky or slippery.
𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗲𝗹 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝗱𝘀, such as Multimam compresses or Novogel Pads (for which a prescription might be needed): although a study into hydrogel dressing pads was halted due to increased infections in the group using the hydrogel dressings, this might be because the pads were not being changed often enough. Several women have told me they found hydrogel pads helpful for healing damaged nipples.
Antibiotic cream
If there is an infection in your nipples, for example if there is oozing or pus visible, your GP can prescribe an antibiotic cream. Sometimes oral antibiotics might be necessary.
Nipples usually heal fast
Once the initial cause of the nipple damage has been resolved, it’s remarkable how quickly nipples heal. If your nipples don’t start to heal within a few days, it’s worth asking your GP to do a swab in case there is a Staph Aureus infection.
N.B. If you are experiencing damage, and you are pumping, please double check that your breast shields (flanges) are the correct fit and that you aren’t turning the vacuum up too high.
https://www.verywellfamily.com/ways-to-tell-if-your-breast-pump-flanges-fit-2758354
Breastfeeding support lines:
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212 (9.30am to 9.30pm daily).
NCT feeding line: 0300 330 0700 (option 1). The line is open from 8am to midnight, including bank holidays.
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300 330 5453 (9.30am to 10.30pm).
La Leche League: 0345 120 2918 (8am to 11pm 365 days a year).