What causes dry and cracked nipples?

Nipple cracking and peeling are more likely to occur during breastfeeding. Mild cases will cause cracks and peeling on the surface, while severe cases may even cause bleeding. Nipple cracking and peeling need to be treated promptly, otherwise it will lead to other serious consequences, such as mastitis. Of course, before we start treatment, we need to have a full understanding of the cause. So, what causes dry and peeling nipples? Let’s take a closer look below.

Nipple fissure is one of the common diseases during lactation. In mild cases, only cracks appear on the surface of the nipple. In severe cases, local exudation and bleeding occur. If the condition does not heal over time and recurs repeatedly, small ulcers may easily form. Improper treatment can easily cause mastitis. Especially when breastfeeding, there is often a heart-wrenching pain, which makes the patient restless and extremely painful. The main reason for this situation may be that the child bites the nipple while sucking milk, or other injuries.

Clinical manifestations

When the nipple is cracked, the baby will feel sharp pain, bleed, ooze, and form yellow crusts when sucking. Check the nipple and find small cracks or ulcers on its surface, which are nipple fissures. There can be one or more spots, with varying depths, and the nipple fissures can be circular or vertical. The cracked areas are often tender, and light yellow serous or bloody fluid can be seen oozing out. Erosions are often found in the groove around the nipple.

treat

1. When breastfeeding, you should start with the breast that is less painful to reduce the sucking force on the other breast, and let the nipple and part of the areola be sucked in the baby's mouth to prevent the nipple skin from becoming more chapped.

2. Alternate the position of the baby during breastfeeding so that the sucking force is dispersed around the nipple and areola.

3. Breastfeed frequently to facilitate milk emptying and soften the areola, which is easier for the baby to suck.

4. After breastfeeding, squeeze out a small amount of milk and apply it on the nipples and areola. Expose and dry the nipples briefly, preferably near a window in the sunlight. Because breast milk has antibacterial effects and is rich in protein, it is beneficial to the healing of nipple skin. After breastfeeding, you can also apply a thin layer of water-based lanolin on the nipples. It is harmless to the baby and does not need to be wiped off before breastfeeding.

5. Wear loose underwear and bras after breastfeeding, and put the nipple cover correctly to facilitate air circulation and healing of skin lesions.

6. If the nipple pain is severe or the breasts are swollen and the baby cannot suck the nipple well, breastfeeding can be temporarily stopped for 24 hours, but the milk should be expressed and fed to the baby with a small cup or spoon.