Sore or Cracked Nipple and What to Do

March 11, 2026 3 Min Read

Sore or cracked nipples are a common complaint in 38% of people who have difficulty breastfeeding or breastfeeding. After that, breastfeeding may not be pleasant.

Red, swollen and crusted skin on or around the nipple indicates cracked nipples. You can treat and prevent cracked nipples by using gentle lotions and avoiding harsh washes, chemicals, and tight clothing

Causes

The most common cause of cracked nipples is nipple trauma. It can affect both men and women, from a blow or cut due to injury from clothing or tissue. If the nipples are more prominent, this may be more likely.

Sore, cracked nipples can be caused by conditions like yeast infections such as thrush.
One of the most common causes is improper latching on the baby’s breast.
Reactions to detergents for laundry, creams, or lotions.
Nipple soreness can be the result of skin problems or worse.
Skin can get dry from repeated washings and exposure.

Symptoms

Visible bleeding or cracks.
Pus or discharge (may be a sign of infection).
Discomfort both during and after breastfeeding.
Burning or itching sensation.
Edema and redness.

Treatments and Solutions

Try several breastfeeding positions to find which one is most comfortable and doesn’t put too much pressure on the nipples.
After breastfeeding, use pure lanolin to keep nipples moisturized and use real breast milk, after feeding, add a few drops, massage the nipple, and let it air dry.
After feeding, allow nipples to air dry to avoid moisture build-up that can cause irritation.
Make sure the baby mouth surrounds more of the areola than just the nipple. If necessary, seek help from a lactation specialist.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, both available over the counter, can be used as prescribed.
To absorb excess moisture, use cotton breast pads. However, change them often to avoid infection.
Use warm water to clean your nipples instead of soap and lotion, which can irritate and dry them out.
Before feeding, apply warm compresses to ease pain and help milk flow.
If the pain is so bad that you feel you can use a nipple shield temporarily, get help from a lactation specialist to make sure you use it correctly.
If you think you may have a thrush infection, consult a healthcare professional for the appropriate course of action.

Prevention

Moisturize your nipples regularly to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
Check and adjust your baby’s latch regularly.
If you experience early signs of pain, take breaks as needed and give yourself time to recover.
Clean your nipples properly to maintain hygiene.

When to Get Medical Advice

If your nipples are painful or cracked, it may be important to seek help from a lactation consultant. Additionally, they can test for your child’s tongue tie.
Consult your doctor if a crack is taking a long time to heal or if you have yellow discharge from your nipple. These may be signs of infection, which will require medical attention.
If your baby is latching on well but your pain still doesn’t improve, see your doctor. They can see if you have another problem, such as a nipple infection or eczema.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional or lactation consultant to get the right care and support.