Self-Care Guidelines
Non-breast-feeding individuals:
- Wash only with water, and avoid soap to the area.
- Use a mild detergent for laundry, and double rinse to remove any irritating soap residue.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used for pain.
- Apply .5% hydrocortisone (available over the counter) twice daily to the irritated area, and protect the area from friction from clothing.
- If the area feels uncomfortable, moisten with tap water and apply petroleum jelly in a thin layer. Stop use of any other creams or lotions being used on the skin area.
Breast-feeding mothers:
- Cleanse the area after nursing with a soft warm-water-moistened cloth and then apply either a purified lanolin cream or petroleum jelly. Don't wash this off before nursing again.
- Help from a breast-feeding counselor should be sought if there are problems with the baby positioning or latching on to the breast properly.
Common practices that are NOT recommended:
- The use of warmed tea bags on the nipples
- Drying the breast with a hairdryer
- Topical agents such as Bag Balm®
- The use of nipple shields
When to Seek Medical Care
If there is no improvement in a few days with self-care measures, seek medical help. Seek help if there is fever or spreading redness and pain of the breast.
Breast-feeding mothers should seek help if the baby has signs of thrush, such as white patches of the mouth or tongue.
Signs and Symptoms
