what's the best remedy for a very big crack in the nipple?

[kveta]

I've had a sore nipple for 2 months now, following blocked duct/mastitis/thrush, all of which were successfully treated. It got better, then worse (which I put down to ovulating, as both were sore), then better again, then it suddenly got a lot worse this morning, and I've now noticed there's a bloody great crack in it. I've applied lashings of lansinoh, and am watching DS like a hawk, as his latch on that side is prone to wander, but was just curious if there are better remedies for cracks?

thanks

A large margarita and a nice piece of chocolate?

I don't actually know, would just do as you are doing.

Silverettes but they are very very pricey - check www.breastfeedingheaven.com

You could use Jalonet (slather lansinoh then cut a square of Jalonet and put over nipple)

And a cocktail too

Silverettes are very good.

I second the combo of jelonet and lansinoh - very good for moist wound healing.

I had a crack for 7 (long) weeks and tried just about everything, including silverettes which are also good, but finally it was antibiotics that cleared it.

Lansinoh did work for me, but the crack wasn't huge.

Hope it heals soon. I expect keeping an eye on DS's latch is the best way to go.

The milk at the end of the feed can be very good. It's antibacterial, and very greasy.

Wet wound healing.

And maybe see a BFC of some sort about his latch on that side, they might have some new ideas?

what others have said. i expressed off that side at every feed when ds was tiny. actually it was every other feed when he was only on one boob. it healed in 3/4 days. expressing was pure bliss after days of toe-curling, counting and weeping while ds was feeding!

thanks - will have a look for cocktails some jelonet. I'm expressing every weekday atm now I'm back at work, and it's just as painful - not sure how, but it's like my nipple has changed shape, so the bit with the crack is rubbing off the pump. 'tis painful. I'm only expressing off the other side now. I've seen several BFCs, but DS always either feeds absolutely perfectly or refuses to feed at all in company. I've found a couple of positions which hurt less, such as having him sitting next to me facing in the opposite direction to me. trouble is, that's not always practical!

will see how it goes!

Moist healing is the way to go.

Never let the area get dry, the more it dries out, the more likely it is to crack.

Put loads of nipple cream, Lansinoh etc on at regular intervals.

just wanted to say how incredibly proud of mothers and women you all make me
to go through this pain in an effort to feed your baby the best food proves how amazing you are
seriously well done (and try some wine!)

ronaldinhio - it's more laziness than anything - sterilising umpteen bottles would piss me right off, plus the night feeds would have to be done without lying down !

what also really helped me was this magic potion from australia seriously, anything skin related - i think it is the vitamin e in it.

Jelonet - It's a lanolin impregnated gauze that you'll find in the burns section at the pharmacy. You can cut off small squares and keep it in your bra in between feeds. Good stuff.

I'd second (third, or fourth!) silverettes. This is the thread that prompted me to buy some.

Hope you get it sorted.

Was a different name then btw!

jeez, 32 quid for a nipple treatment? thanks for the recommendation, but I'll be trying the jelonet first I think! I'm almost swimming in lansinoh at the mo, so hope it does something.

Honestly it's worth it - the silverettes can heal nearly overnight IME.

whiskey & glycrine mixed in an egg cup dab it on and air dry, worked a treat had a big gash, if it dosen't drink the whiskey

lansinoh and breast milk worked for me...

i used breast shields when mine got sore ....just to give them chance to recover!!!

well I've got the jelonet - it's apparently been discontinued, but they got me some from behind the counter, then we had a long conversation about cracked nipples fingers crossed it works, it's no fun wincing every time I feed the boy! plus he's now pulling back more on the sore side, which is grim grim grim. thanks for all the suggestions!!

I'm off to find some Jelonet now! DC2 arriving at the end of the month.

Hope it helps you.