open sore on areola

[MummyWeatherwax]

So my DD is 18 months now, and we've had a pretty straightforward breastfeeding relationship.

However, a few nights ago, it started to hurt when she fed on my left side. when I looked, an area about 1cm from the nipple was swollen and sore. This area was about pea sized in diameter. After about 48 hours, there was a little open bit, as if a spot had burst, maybe 1-2 mm. However, it's now (another 48 hours in) about 3-4mm wide, like a little crater, and not getting better. I've been slathering it with lansinoh, to help it heal, and trying to minimise feeding on that side (which is very difficult with a willful milk monster). It's sore at all times, excruciating when feeding.

Has anyone had something similar? And more importantly, can anyone advise how to make it go away!

I could post a pic, but that might be weird?

[findingherfeet]

I had a similar sore but in the very early stages of BF my daughter. I used savlon cream any chance I got which healed it much faster than usual breast milk/fresh air (not very practical!) and nipple creams. This is by no means medically approved just what i found most soothing and very easy to wipe off for feeds.

It hurts like hell you have my sympathise.

[MummyWeatherwax]

Thank you for the sympathy! How long did it take to sort itself out if you don't mind me asking?

[MummyWeatherwax]

Hopeful bump?

[findingherfeet]

Sorry but weeks....only because first time feeding, bad latch and newborn feeding constantly, hopefully your little one gives you more of a break!?!

[MummyWeatherwax]

Oof, weeks?!
We don't usually have any latch issues at least, and I've managed to keep it to two feeds on that side today, so hopefully I'll see some improvement soon. (is there a crossing fingers emoticon? )

[EmBeEmBe]

Be careful. Keep an eye on it. I had something very similar and it turned out to be the tip of an abscess which required surgery and antibiotics. If you get any further swelling or any mastitis-like symptoms I'd recommend you see a doctor pronto. Hope it clears up quickly with no further problems.

[MummyWeatherwax]

Thanks EmBe, that's kind of my concern - that I'm assuming it's nothing, but actually need to be vigilant.
That and the fact it really hurts when I feed DD on that side, and she's old enough to be very insistent about wanting that side!

[mercibucket]

maybe thrush. it doesnt look like oral or vaginal thrush, but can cause splits in the skin, nipple looks shiny, like glass shards when feeding
if so, you need to treat you and baby or it will pass back and forth - even if no signs in babys mouth

[MummyWeatherwax]

I don't think it's thrush merci, though it's a good suggestion, the pain is all in and around the sore bit, and strongly linked to when DD applies pressure to it!
There are no issues with shinyness, redness, or pain in the actual milk removal (i can hand express pain free).

She does not like the denial of boob on that side - just cried herself to sleep on my shoulder after a one sided feed
But feeding on it three-four times a day was making it worse, twice a day was too much for it to heal, so I'm trying to cold turkey to get it over and done with.

[mawbroon]

After almost 8 years of continuous breastfeeding, I got something like this.

IIRC, ds2 had been rubbing his teeth a bit when he was feeding and somehow one of my Montgomery glands became infected. It was bloody sore, and I ended up bursting it with a pin to let the goo out. It was fine after that!

DS2 didn't want to feed on that side though because it felt weird in his mouth I think, he was 3.5yo at that point so well able to verbalise!

Can you try a different position so that the latch is on a different place?

[MummyWeatherwax]

Mawbroon - that sounds exactly like what I have, only mine burst itself.

I've been limiting her to one night feed only on that side, because that's the only time she's happy to lie flat in my lap, which is the most comfortable for me, and expressing to make sure there are two 'feeds' a day still happening on that side.

She's getting better at being distracted from the other side, and DH was able to do lots of distraction over the holiday. It's still a problem, but there's definite progress towards healing now. Thank goodness!

It'll probably be a good few days before it's all healed, but getting there.