Quantcast Close-up of scaly, slightly elevated lesions on the areola in nipple dermatitis. This image displays dermatitis affecting the nipple of a man. This image displays a severe case of nipple dermatitis.
Top Background Graphic
About Us | Contact Us | Site Map
Text Size SmallText Size MediumText Size Large
VisualDxHealth - Your guide to a clear picture of health
Health ToolsHealth TopicsDisease ListWidgetsFor Doctors

Nipple Dermatitis:
Information for adults

Left Nav Bottom
Try our Disease Finder
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Top Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Page Tools Bottom Graphic
Picture of Nipple Dermatitis: Close-up of scaly, slightly elevated lesions on the areola in nipple dermatitis. Divider line
Close-up of scaly, slightly elevated lesions on the areola in nipple dermatitis.
left arrow
right arrow
Self-Care Guidelines
Non-breast-feeding individuals:
  • Wash only with water, and avoid soap to the area.
  • Use a mild detergent for laundry, and double rinse to remove any irritating soap residue.
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used for pain.
  • Apply .5% hydrocortisone (available over the counter) twice daily to the irritated area, and protect the area from friction from clothing.
  • If the area feels uncomfortable, moisten with tap water and apply petroleum jelly in a thin layer. Stop use of any other creams or lotions being used on the skin area.
Breast-feeding mothers:
  • Cleanse the area after nursing with a soft warm-water-moistened cloth and then apply either a purified lanolin cream or petroleum jelly. Don't wash this off before nursing again. 
  • Help from a breast-feeding counselor should be sought if there are problems with the baby positioning or latching on to the breast properly.
Common practices that are NOT recommended:
  • The use of warmed tea bags on the nipples
  • Drying the breast with a hairdryer
  • Topical agents such as Bag Balm®
  • The use of nipple shields
When to Seek Medical Care
If there is no improvement in a few days with self-care measures, seek medical help. Seek help if there is fever or spreading redness and pain of the breast.

Breast-feeding mothers should seek help if the baby has signs of thrush, such as white patches of the mouth or tongue.
Last Modified: 29 Feb 2008

Prev: Signs and Symptoms
Next: Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe

HON CODE Seal. Accredited 3/2007
We comply with HONcode standards
for health information
verify here

Copyright © 2006-2008 Logical Images, Inc. All rights reserved.

The data contained in the VisualDxHealth™ Worldwide Web pages such as text, images, and graphics are for informational purposes only. The data is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment. Please see our disclaimer.