Painful "pimples" on my nipples

I have a recurring problem, I get what I can only describe as pimples (not sure if that is what they are or not) on the side of my left nipple (where it starts to rise) this has only happened since I started b-feeding, and has happened 5-6 times (always on the left). It is painful to the touch and very painful when my daughter is nursing!! they always go away by themselves after about a week, but the pain!! Any ideas on how to prevent this in the future?






Without seeing this in person, I can only offer some guesses. Perhaps this is a yeast infection. Or else if could be a "milk blister". Here are the symptoms of a yeast infection of the nipples (thrush):

* intense, burning pain;
* nipples that are itchy or burning and appear pink or red, shiny, flaky, and/or have a rash with tiny blisters;
* shooting pains in the breast during or after feedings; vaginal yeast
* cracked nipples
* shooting pains in the breast during the feeding or between feedings
* nipple and/or breast pain with correct use of an automatic breastpump (Medela or Ameda Egnell)
* vaginal yeast

Milk blisters are clear or white blisters that appear on the nipples, commonly at the tip. They are exquisitely painful. The most common reason for these blisters in improper sucking, or a breaking of suction while baby nurses (sometimes heard as a clicking sound). They can be caused also by a plugged duct or by skin blocking a milk duct.

Treatment of milk blisters includes applying very warm compresses to the blister to soften it and then immediately nursing baby, while paying very close attention to proper positioning & latch-on techniques. If the blister persists, you can go to your health care professional to open it.

If theses sores are herpes sores, which are highly contagious, you should cover it when nursing baby. If is is on or near the nipple or areola, you should stop breastfeeding on the affected side and express your milk until the sore is healed. LLLI recommends says that nipple sores may sometimes be caused by dermatitis, eczema, impetigo, scabies, infections, or other skin conditions and should be evaluated by a doctor.  I hope this information helps.

Sincerely,

Andrea Eastman, MA, CCE, IBCLC





 

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