Painful nipples or breasts are one of the top three reasons women stop breastfeeding earlier than usual (1). Nipple blisters while breastfeeding can cause pain and discomfort to the mother. A nipple blister may appear suddenly and does not cause any problems for most women. However, at times, it may get in way of breastfeeding. No medical intervention is required for blisters that do not hurt, and some home remedies may aid in faster healing. In this post, we discuss the causes and management of nipple blisters.
What Causes A Nipple Blister?
Nipple blisters can be categorized based on what causes them. Apart from these, thrush and excessive milk supply can also lead to nipple blisters. In the case of thrush, which is a yeast infection, there will be multiple blisters that appear like a rash.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Nipple Blister?
Nipple blisters can be tiny and hard to spot. Check for the following signs that indicate the presence of a nipple blister (3): While most nipple blisters are harmless, there are situations when a doctor must check them.
Home Remedies For Nipple Blisters
Home remedies can be the first choice when the blister does not seem to cause any pain. The following steps work as home remedies and preventive measures for nipple blisters (5): These home remedies could help in relieving pain and might also help in alleviating the conditions causing the blisters. But if you find no relief, you can seek the doctor’s advice.
When To See A Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, then you must visit a doctor:
Painful swelling of the nipple, including the areolar region.
The blister continues to increase in size and gets more painful.
A yellowish-white liquid comes out of the nipple.
Decreased or no flow of milk from the nipple.
Bleeding through the nipple. Extreme soreness and redness in the nipple region.
Burning sensation every time the milk flows out of the nipple.
You feel a lump underneath the nipple or anywhere around the breast. It could be due to the formation of a milk cyst, which is an accumulation of milk within the milk duct. It is medically called galactocele (10).
You have recurring nipple blisters. It could be a result of some underlying problem or due to poor latching by the baby. Severe symptoms like burning, bleeding, and yellowish discharge from the nipple are all signs of an infection in the milk ducts, a condition that should be addressed immediately (11).
How Are Nipple Blisters Treated?
Lactation experts state that if a nipple blister does not hurt, then you should not do anything (4). It will heal on its own. But if the blister is painful and interferes with breastfeeding, then the doctor may use the following steps to ease the discomfort: At times, nipple blisters might recur even after treatment. You can, however, keep them at bay by taking a few preventive measures.
Preventive Steps For Nipple Blisters
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