There are many factors that influence the occurrence of postpartum nipple cracking, nipple length is too short, areola diameter is too long, the newborn is too heavy, the infant sucks too many times a day, each sucking time is too long, and the feeding method is incorrect are risk factors that cause maternal nipple cracking, commonly in abnormal nipples or improper breastfeeding posture.
1, the prevention of nipple cracking
General care: nipple cracking to early prevention, the main preventive measures to avoid excessive dry nipples, clean nipples and surrounding skin, should not use alkaline soap, so as not to destroy the balance of moisture and oil secretion on the nipple surface; guide the correct maternal breastfeeding posture.
Warm water coverage: mainly clean with warm water, the advantage is that it will not make the nipple produce odor and stimulate the baby’s sense of smell, the disadvantage is that the cleaning and decontamination ability is not strong.
Raw Muscle Jade Red Saran Wrap: After each breastfeeding, cover the surface of the nipple with Raw Muscle Jade Red Saran Wrap. Since the nipple surface is prone to residual herbal special odor, it can lead to the phenomenon of infants refusing to suck or feed.
Hydrogel dressing: Hydrogel has a moisturizing effect and covers the nipple surface, which can prevent chapping from occurring.
Breast milk: domestic common application of colostrum in the nipple surface coated with foam as a care method for early prevention of nipple cracking, the advantages of which are economic and easy to operate, but its preventive or therapeutic effect proved by domestic and foreign research is not ideal.
Modified lanolin cream: lanolin cream is modified and non-allergenic to prevent nipple pain and discomfort.
Peppermint juice: Peppermint has pharmacological effects such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic, and promotes skin penetration and absorption. Peppermint juice is highly effective in preventing cracked nipples. Must be used under the guidance of a doctor.
2, the treatment of cracked nipples and care
Treatment of cracked nipples domestic application is the most widely used oil class and herbal formulations, the most common international application is pure lanolin ointment. Although the treatment of cracked nipples more, but there is no one treatment drugs than the prenatal mission of prevention more effective.
Egg yolk oil: Egg yolk oil is the main ingredient. Apply egg butter to the affected nipple, cover with sterile gauze, clean the nipple before the next feeding, and so on. It is more commonly used in China, and the preventive and curative effects are still to be studied.
Sesame oil: It is a high grade edible oil, rich in vitamin E. After each nursing session, use a cotton swab dipped in small sesame oil to apply to the nipple, then clean it with warm water before the next nursing session, and so on.
Olive oil: Olive oil has an inconspicuous odor, so there is no need to clean the nipples before each feeding, thus avoiding the frictional effect of the cleaning process.
Lip balm: The main ingredients are petroleum jelly, menthol, camphor, aloe vera, vitamin E, etc. The nipples must be cleaned before each feeding to avoid drug residues.
Fuji compound: The main ingredient of Fuji compound is topical recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor. Spray directly on the affected area after breastfeeding, 4 times/d. Wash before breastfeeding again to reduce its content in the milk and avoid adverse effects.
Antler cream: apply evenly to the affected area after breastfeeding, 3-4 times/d. Those with less severe nipple pain can continue breastfeeding, wash the nipple with warm water before breastfeeding, and apply antler cream after breastfeeding; suspend breastfeeding if the nipple pain is severe.
Moist burn cream: It has the function of clearing heat and detoxifying, dispelling decay and creating muscle, stopping bleeding and relieving pain.
High-purity lanolin cream: lanolin cream is recommended by various countries around the world as a medicine for the prevention and treatment of cracked nipples. Since it is edible to infants and has no toxic side effects, there is no need to clean the nipples before breastfeeding.
Vitamin A: Apply 1-2ml to cracked nipples after each feeding.
Vitamin E: Apply to the surface of the crack after each feeding, clean before the next feeding and squeeze out a few drops of milk before feeding.
Vitamin Pro B5: Low risk of skin irritation or allergy. Need to clean the nipple before each feeding.
Hydrogel: Apply to the surface of the nipple after each feeding and clean the nipple before the next feeding.
Aloe vera leaf juice or aloe vera gel: analgesic, anti-inflammatory and significant phagocytic effects, as well as the ability to promote wound healing and heal better within 3-7 d.
Chinese herbs and formulas: need to see herbalist.