Question 1

what can be done for very dry and cracked nipples.?

Accepted Answer

Lansinoh cream, TLC: I assume you are breastfeeding--congrats, you are giving your baby the best gift ever.  Lansinoh is nontoxic and can be used without washing off.  Otherwise, wear a soft t-shirt (at home) and avoid any moisture in contact with your nipples--ie, leave bra flaps open.  Do not wash nipples before and after nursing. You can also try a cool wet tea bag compress for 15 min or so between feedings.

Question 2

what is the definition or description of: cracked nipples?

Accepted Answer

Cracked nipples: Cracked nipples refers to cracking of the skin on the nipple and surrounding areola.  This can occur with inflammation or infection with breastfeeding.  The cracking can occur if baby's latch is suboptimal.  Cracking of nipples can also occur with mastitis. Nipple cracking also seen when not breastfeeding in Paget's disease of breast a rare form of cancer.

Question 3

are cracked nipples within breastfeeding normal?

Accepted Answer

Common : Unfortunately, cracked nipples are very common while breastfeeding. There are several over the counter preparations available to help and many experts recommend cabbage leaves for this. The Laleache League is a great resource for help with this and all issues related to breast feeding. Hope this helps.

Question 4

what to do if i have severe cracked nipples and its not from breastfeeding, please help on cures?

Accepted Answer

Lanolin: Even if you are not nursing, the lanolin  sold next to breast feeding supplies for sore and cracked nipples may be very useful for your condition.

Question 5

my friend has cracked nipples on both breasts. she is around 20 years old and was always too embarrassed to tell anyone about this. what could she do?

Accepted Answer

Lanolin: She can get lanolin cream to massage her nipples.

Question 6

what dose it mean when you have not very noticeable cracked nipples if not pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Dry nipples : It just means that you have dry cracked nipples. Why not try an over-the-counter nipple cream available at any pharmacy. This is such a common problem there are several different brands of creams to treat it.

Question 7

i am breastfeeding my baby.he's a month old but i have cracked nipples.it bleeds sometimes. what can i use? it hurts to breastfeed.

Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding: Nipples that are cracked and bleeding can be from incorrect latching or positioning. Correct positioning and latching may help. Lanolin can also be used. If redness or severe pain develop then those could be a sign of yeast infection. See a lactation consultant or knowledgeable physician.

Question 8

i breastfeed & today i tried on 15 different bras as well as a baby carrier w/out a bra on(naked) the carrier had a red stain on it and didn't notice until after i took it off. my breasts have cracked nipples. if this was blood could i get hiv? risk?

Accepted Answer

No : Not at all likely! Enjoy the baby!

Question 9

i suffer bad eczema i am 20 not pregnate but i have bad cracked nipples n bad dry skin around my brests i cant stop scrtching it wil this cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

There should be: no concerns for cancer if it is just dry, cracked skin. Unless you see changes -size, lumps, discoloration, tenderness, then you should consult your doctor immediately. Otherwise, you need to keep your skin moist  with ointments, vitamin E oil, olive oil .Take antihistamines , or prescriptions from your doctor to help with the itching.Avoid using hot water, it will make it drier, sting and burn!

Question 10

i have 2 day old infant (2nd child) and i have extremely sore cracked nipples.i pumped milk and right breast milk had blood clots. help please. ?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry!: some bleeding from the nipples is normal and if the baby gets a little of your blood in the milk it is ok. If there is a lot, you could dump it if it makes you feel better. Use a gentle barrier ointment like lanolin on your nipples after nursing. Make sure to vary nursing positions and alternate starting breast. See a lactation consult if things don't improve in a few days.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What is cracked nipples

A member asked:

What can be done for very dry and cracked nipples.?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: cracked nipples?

A member asked:

Are cracked nipples within breastfeeding normal?

A member asked:

What to do if i have severe cracked nipples and its not from breastfeeding, please help on cures?

A member asked:

My friend has cracked nipples on both breasts. she is around 20 years old and was always too embarrassed to tell anyone about this. what could she do?

A member asked:

What dose it mean when you have not very noticeable cracked nipples if not pregnant?

A member asked:

I am breastfeeding my baby.he's a month old but i have cracked nipples.it bleeds sometimes. what can i use? it hurts to breastfeed.

A member asked:

I breastfeed & today i tried on 15 different bras as well as a baby carrier w/out a bra on(naked) the carrier had a red stain on it and didn't notice until after i took it off. my breasts have cracked nipples. if this was blood could i get hiv? risk?

A member asked:

I suffer bad eczema i am 20 not pregnate but i have bad cracked nipples n bad dry skin around my brests i cant stop scrtching it wil this cause cancer?

A member asked:

I have 2 day old infant (2nd child) and i have extremely sore cracked nipples.i pumped milk and right breast milk had blood clots. help please. ?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?