Ds is nearly 3 - so why have I got a cracked, inflamed nipple?

[Tatties]

It's only on one side, but has been really uncomfortable feeding from it recently. I looked at it today and around the nipple is red and inflamed, and underneath the skin is broken in a couple of places. It hurts

The inflamed skin looks a bit excema-like. It has been dry for a long time but has been bearable, although perhaps feeling more sensitive pre-menstrually.

I was thinking of getting some Lansinoh to help the cracks heal and I have asked ds if he minds only nursing on the other side for a bit. Is there anything else I can do if the areola stays dry and inflamed?

Oooh, sounds uncomfortable Tatties. Have you tried rubbing a few drops of milk into the area? The only other thing, apart from eczema, that occurs to me is thrush, but I'm not sure if that would lead to cracks, or if your DS has an infection of some kind he may have passed on. I swore by lansinoh when dd was tiny, but I didn't get on with it the last time I tried (dd now 20 months).

Giving it a rest sounds like part of a plan, anyway!

I thought about thrush Mij, we had it when ds was newborn. But I think this is different. Would it be possible to only be affected on one side? The other nipple is absolutely fine

please ring your LLL leader Tatties, if you haven't already

they are such genii

Yes that was going to be my next move I think Fra.

Dp suggested going to the doctor and I thought

yes I agree
I mean DO if you think it would help, but...

has the lansinoh improved matters at all?

I think it is helping, yes, that and the fact that ds hasn't fed on that side since this morning. He is being brave about it

aww bless him

take care though, do you get blocked ducts if he doesn't feed for a while? I would stick him on there for a good old go tomorrow if you can bear it

Well I was worried about getting engorged but it feels fine atm. It will probably be more bearable tomorrow, having a break today will have given it some chance to heal

update pls Tatties

Oh.. still sore. Ds has fed a few times on that side and it stings. Will just keep slathering on the Lansinoh until the cracks heal.