4 Ways to Manage Nipple Problems

1. Soothe Breast-feeding Soreness

If breast-feeding causes cracked, sore nipples, use a pure lanolin cream to ease the soreness and promote healing. It also helps to rub a few drops of breast milk onto your nipples right after you finish breast-feeding and let them dry thoroughly. A fan or hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting can dry your nipples before you put your nursing bra or shirt back on.

You also can manage sore, cracked nipples by alternating breasts each time you feed your infant, and holding your baby in different positions while she feeds. When your baby has finished feeding, remove her from your breast so she is not just sucking for comfort and possibly irritating your nipple.

2. Conduct a Medicine Check

Ask your doctor whether any medications or herbal supplements could be causing a nipple problem. Some medications and supplements have been linked to nipple discharge, including hormones, birth control pills, blood pressure medications and some antidepressants and tranquilizers. If a medication is causing the nipple discharge, your doctor can switch you to another medication or adjust the dosage.

3. Take Good Care of Nipple Piercings

During the 2 to 4 months it takes for a nipple piercing to heal, manage the soreness and avoid infection by keeping the piercing scrupulously clean. Right after the piercing, wash the site four to five times a day. Spend at least 5 minutes each time and use copious amounts of warm water and an antibacterial soap.

Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to ease swelling that occurs in the first 48 hours after the piercing. Don't place the ice pack directly on your skin. After 48 hours, soak the piercing in warm water for 20 minutes, three or four times a day. Along with keeping the site clean, the warm soaks stimulate circulation in that area and prevent infection. If soaking that frequently isn't practical, apply a warm, moist compression pack to the nipple as often as you can.

4. Wear Loose Clothes for Comfort and Healing

Whether your nipple problem is soreness due to breast-feeding, an infection or swelling and pain following a piercing, keep the area comfortable and free of friction by wearing loose shirts. Avoid anything tight and choose soft cotton whenever possible.