#Crack open a cold one chemistry meme skin

Of the over-the-counter treatments, Polysporin (Polymyxin B Sulfate and Bacitracin Zinc) may be preferred for topical use in the nipple area of nursing moms over antibiotic ointments containing neomycin (such as Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment).

Per Hale, Bactroban ointment (mupirocin lactation risk category L1/safest), available only by prescription, may be the best choice for nursing mothers.Jack NewmanвЂ™s All Purpose Nipple Ointment(APNO an antibiotic/anti-inflammatory/anti-yeast combo) sparingly after each feeding. If needed, apply an antibiotic ointment (e.g.If you have thrush, follow the saline soak with an antifungal ointment or other thrush treatment.

#Crack open a cold one chemistry meme skin

To promote вЂњmoist wound healingвЂќ (this refers to maintaining the internal moisture of the skin, not keeping the exterior of the skin wet) apply a medical grade lanolin ointment (e.g., Lansinoh, Purelan), soft paraffin/vaseline or a hydrogel dressing (e.g., ComfortGel, Soothies).

Apply expressed breastmilk to the nipples to promote healingвЂ“this can be done in addition to other treatments.

If baby objects to the taste of the residual salt from the saline rinse, rinse directly before nursing by dipping nipple(s) into a bowl of plain water.

Pat dry very gently with a soft paper towel.

Avoid prolonged soaking (more than 5-10 minutes) that вЂњsuperвЂќ hydrates the skin, as this can promote cracking and delay healing.

Alternately, put the saline solution into a squeeze bottle and squirt it on gently use plenty of saline, making sure to get it on all areas of broken skin.

After breastfeeding, soak nipple(s) in a small bowl of warm saline solution for a minute or soвЂ“long enough for the saline to get onto all areas of the nipple.

You may also buy individual-use packets of sterile saline solution. Make a fresh supply each day to avoid bacterial contamination. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in one cup (8 oz) of warm water.