Cracks in the nipple when feeding — what to do, how to treat? Ointments, creams, prevention

Often, nursing mothers acute highly delicate issue when it comes to breastfeeding. This problem is cracks in the nipple.

Often the scale of the problem is such that the women are forced to abandon breastfeeding altogether, leaving the child without a natural and most useful power source, and depriving yourself of one of the most important functions, which, in General, in the normal course of lactation should not cause noticeable discomfort, and especially pain.

In addition to the unpleasant sensations that cause crack, damage to the teat skin can lead to infection and the development of the so-called lactational mastitis — inflammation of the structures of the breast.

In this article you will learn about the mechanism of formation of cracks, means of prevention, modern methods of solving such a delicate problem by traditional and non-traditional medicine.

Mechanical damage to the nipples when feeding (if the child has already appeared on your teeth, it can bite down on the nipple).

Leakage of milk.

The above mentioned causes do not exhaust all the numerous possible causes, but knowing them it is possible to prevent the occurrence of cracks. But if the cracks have already appeared and made themselves felt, it is important to take the necessary measures to eliminate them.

Look like cracks in the nipple?

To determine the crack on the nipple is not hard even for pervorodyaschih mother. The crack is similar to a longitudinal section emanating from the base of the nipple and runs along its periphery. In the most severe cases, crack may the areola.

The cracks varied in appearance and size: they can be both plural and singular, to strike one or both Breasts, can be located at the surface or to capture deeper layers of the skin. From time to time cracks can bleed, they can be released ichor.

Any, even the most minor mechanical effects on the nipple (e.g., touch) causes pain and discomfort, not to mention the attempts of the child to breastfeed. This causes even more intense pain. Often it is because of the severe pain mothers abandon breastfeeding.

Cracked nipples — straight gate for infection, so oftensafe at first glance, the process is complicated. May develop infectious mastitis with subsequent inflammation of the nipples and swelling of tissues, may form deep ulcers, erosion, etc.

Whether to stop breastfeeding with cracked nipples?

Of course, to abandon breastfeeding — the solution is not the most reasonable. It will quickly lead to the natural cessation of milk production, but because the child himself will quickly refuse to take the breast.

If the cracks are single or multiple, but shallow (in short, the process of tissue damage is not too intense) situation can save a special silicone pads on the chest (Tippee, Avent, Tommee, Medela, Contact, Pigeon, Lindo, Conpol, Nuk, Chicco, etc.). They protect the nipple from injury, at the same time allowing you to keep breastfeeding. But if the extent of damage is large, lesions of the nipple and significant krovotechenie this measure will not be enough.

In this case not to do without special treatment. At the time of treatment of the child not to breast-feed. This does not mean that the milk the baby to not be. The milk is decanted into a container and then need to feed baby from a dropper or spoon. From bottles it is better to refuse. Of them sucking much easier, but because the child may refuse the breast.

If tissue damage is complicated by the development of infection from breastfeeding also refuse, and feeding the baby breast milk is carried out after initial pasteurization.

What not to do with cracked nipples?

As has been said, cracks on the nipples are formed very quickly (perhaps even after the first application of the child to the breast). Inexperienced mothers is baffled, and they begin to fuss in search of treatment. It is clear that very rarely the measures can be called adequate, and the wrong treatment is much worse than inaction.

In order not to increase during the process, it is important to follow the advice:

• In carrying out hygienic procedures should abandon the soap. Soap washes away the natural lipid layer of the skin, the lye, part of the soap eats away the damaged areas, causing intolerable itching and burning.

  From taking antibiotics, both local and General (oral) it is better to refrain for two reasons:

  1. First, the antibiotic can penetrate into the milk, and with milk it will get and the child.

  2. Secondly, Antibacterials seriously inhibit the natural protective functions of the body. The antibiotic should be taken only for its intended purpose, in a strictly limitedthe number of cases and only on prescription.

• You should refrain from processing the nipples aggressive antiseptics alcohol, i.e. brilliant green and iodine. They further dry out the skin and promote the formation of new cracks. Also after applying them pronounced itching and burning.

• It is also prohibited the use of alcohol in General (boric acid, rubbing alcohol). Applying cotton wool to such a delicate area of the skin can cause a burn.

• The chest must be dry. If you use special pads from leaking milk, they need to be changed as often as possible. Wise to keep the chest open.

Treatment of cracks on the nipples

The first place to begin is to visit a gynecologist. With the emergence of the first cracks may develop complications (infections etc.). It is important in the early stages to identify complications, and this can only be a specialist.

Local treatment: ointment and cream burst on

Grease nipples with special ointments you need to immediately after feeding. Before the next feeding ointment (or cream) should be absorbed. If you soak the tool does not have time — you should wash it off with water. The structure means includes multiple components in ointments can be dexpanthenol, lanolin. Depending on what the active ingredient in the composition is more possible on this basis to classify funds.

The drugs and cream dexpanthenol

Dexpanthenol is a derivative substance of Pantothenic acid. Dexpanthenol, an active healing effect. Grease nipples immediately after feeding. Before feeding ointment wash off.

There are a number of trade names:

• Dexpanthenol (in the form of ointments, the approximate price — 100 rubles).
• Bepanthen (the most popular ointment costs about 300 rubles).
• Korneregel (itself is used in ophthalmology, but is suitable for the treatment of cracks on the nipples, the approximate price is 250-270 rubles).
• Mama (special cream from JSC "Elf", the cost is about 150 rubles).
• Panthenol and D-panthenol (in the form of cream, the approximate price — 180 rubles).

Funds on the basis of zinc oxide

Zinc oxide has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, andalso prevents the infection of damaged skin. The products based on it must be applied in a thin layer.

Trade names:

• Zinc ointment (estimated cost — 30 rubles).
• Desitin (in the form of ointments, the approximate price — 250 rubles).
• Zinc paste (approximate price — 30-50 rubles).
• Sudocrem (approximate price — 200 rubles).
• Tindal (solution, the approximate price — 80 rubles).

Creams and ointments based on lanolin

Preparations based on lanolin have a softening and anti-inflammatory effects. To RUB the drug, it must be applied a thin layer of 1 mm and wash off before next feeding.

Trade names:

• Lanova with oil of sea buckthorn (in the form of cream, the approximate price — 300-350 rubles).

• PureLan 100 (in the form of cream, the approximate price is 400 rubles).
• Mommycare from Lanolin (in the form of cream, about the price — 1000 rubles).
• BabyLine (in the form of cream, the approximate price — 250 rubles).
• BabyDream (in the form of a cream).
• NippleCream (from Avent, in the form of cream, the approximate price is 450 rubles).
• Carelan (in the form of a cream for care of a skin of the breast).
• Sanosan (in the form of cream, the approximate price — 350 rubles).
• Lansihon from Lanolin (in the form of cream, the approximate price is 750 rubles).
• The nipple cream (manufacturer — Pigeon, the approximate price — 250 rubles).
• MultiMam from Ameda (in the form of a cream).
• Dawn (in the form of cream, the approximate price is 150 rubles).

Means based on retinol

Formulations based on retinol to soften skin and promote rapid regeneration of the epidermis. Based on their composition have vitamin A.

Trade names:

• Acetate retinol (vitamin a in oil form, the approximate price of 50-70 roubles).
• Vidistis (ointment, the approximate price — 200 rubles).
• Radevit (vitamin complex, the approximate cost is 350 rubles).
• Retinoic ointment (approximate price is 250-300 rubles).

Medications and creams based on natural oils

• MammaDonna (serum, the approximate price is 600 rubles).
• NaturaHouse (cream soothing, the approximate price is 500 rubles).
• MamaComfort (nipple cream, the approximate price — 300 rubles).

Creams based on plant extracts and hydromineral raw materials (Vulnusan)

Increase skin resistance to cracking and other mechanical damage:

• 9 months (a balm from Mustela, about 800 rubles).
• Vulnusan (in the form of ointments,about 100 rubles).
• Babe Laboratorios (cream).

Special wound healing agents

Contribute to accelerated regeneration of damaged tissues:

• Actovegin (ointment or gel, about 200 rubles).
• Solcoseryl (ointment, about 200 rubles).

Traditional and alternative methods for the treatment of rhagades

Many of the medicines of nature can really hurt the baby, and fear of the mother. In this case, you can resort to the use of natural methods of treatment of fractures.

• Treatment own breast milk. Breast milk can provide samzareulosi effect. To achieve results you need to lubricate the nipple in breast milk. Milk does not wipe the chest to stay open.
• The sea buckthorn oil. Sea buckthorn oil — a natural remedy for wound healing. It has no contraindications and is available to almost everyone. In addition, sea buckthorn oil softens the skin and prevents re-cracking of the nipples. Sea buckthorn oil is applied to the skin of the nipple after each feeding.
• Olive oil. Nourishes the skin, initiating an active metabolism. Has a good softening effect. Ideal for elimination of cracks in the initial stages and as a preventive measures.To apply, and sea buckthorn oil.
• The cedar oil. Is a natural vitamin complex (vitamins b, E). Nourishes the skin and activates the regenerative processes. Not allows the skin to crack. To apply, and sea buckthorn oil.
• Oil solution hlorofillipta. Is made on the basis of an extract of eucalyptus. Has antiseptic effect, not allowing the process to grow to infectious lesions. Applied to the skin after each feeding. Before the next feeding should be washed.
• The aloe juice. Aloe Vera juice (or Kalanchoe) has wound-healing and antibacterial effects. Relieves inflammation and pain. To the damaged area, you should put a few drops of juice, and then cover the site with sterile gauze and drip a few more drops of juice.
• An infusion of marigold (flowers). Has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Tablespoon of flowers poured 200 ml of boiling water (a whole glass). Within 15 minutes the mask is infused. Then sterile gauze moistened in the solution and apply onthe affected area. Use better only in the daytime.

• Mullein scepter-shaped. Has healing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. The powder of the drug to cover the wound and kill your finger. Carried out the procedure should be repeated 2-3 times during the day.

• And dawn forest Force (preparation for humans). Activates the regenerative processes in the skin layers. Well softens the skin. Is applied to the damaged skin in a thin layer 2-3 times a day. Before the next breastfeeding rinse.

• Cabbage leaf (fresh). Cabbage — a source of Riboflavin. This substance actively heals wounds, moreover, is effective in mastitis. Cabbage leaf applied to the chest. To walk with a sheet during the day, at night to the Breasts fresh cabbage leaf.

• Birch infusion. Disinfect tissue and promotes rapid healing of cracks. Prepared and applied similarly to an infusion of calendula.

Some important rules of prevention

The best way to repair cracks is to prevent their occurrence. Not immune from them no one, not aged primiparas or experienced mother. To cracks was not necessary to observe preventive measures:

• To exclude the forced withdrawal of the child from the breast.
• The Breasts should be washed frequently (1-2 times a day) but without the use of soap and corrosive substances.
• To soften the skin of the breast (especially after a shower), use a special ointment and cream (the most effective in this respect — means based on the lanolin).
• Immediately after feeding grease nipples to their own milk.
• The skin of the breast should not be constantly moist. As often as possible is to ventilate the chest and change the gasket when leakage of milk.

The most important thing is to put the baby to breast:

• The torso of the child should be drawn to the nipple, not just the head, as usually mothers do. Most fully this recommendation is implemented, if feeding occurs in the attitude on the side, belly to belly.
• The baby's head should be on the articulation of the forearm and shoulder of the mother. Due to this, the child will be able to move my head.
• Help baby and put the nipple in the mouth is impossible. He should handle independently.

• The chin and nose of the child should be tightly to his chest.