::... GYNAECOLOGY - Cracked or sore nipples

After delivery of a baby, mother has her breasts full with milk. During pregnancy, breasts are developed with extra fat in them . The production of milk in breasts makes them full and there is strain at the nipple. When a baby sucks the nipple, the positioning of baby if not correct may cause tearing of skin at nipples. This leads to irritation and pain in nipples due to which feeding to the baby becomes painful. This condition is known as sore nipples.

Application of a moisturizing cream having healing and skin rejuvenating property can make the nipples normal. Such creams are to be applied after cleaning the nipples. The cream needs to wiped off (after some time) before feeding the baby.

If nipples are cracked and sore for more than five days, the cracks can get infected with bacteria, which could slow down the healing process. In such conditions, doctor may advise use of antibiotics.