Anne, what a horrible experience.  I'm glad you found the hydrogel.

>Is this the same stuff the "new" cracked nipple treatments are made from?
>How would this be better than the Lansinoh? are we talking the difference
>between treating bleeding really open splits and cracks vs raw soreness?

Yes it is the same stuff.  It is recommended for badly damaged nipples, not
for sore or even *just* cracked.  I will continue recommending lanolin for
cases where a cream is indicated.  But for those occasional seriously
damaged nipples I will recommend hydrogel while they heal. If a healing
agent is needed it can be used with the dressing.

I have a client using it this week.  She said that this is the only thing
she has felt she wants to touch her nipples.  Pads, bras, even loose
t-shirts all were painful. She is most grateful for the relief.

Since she cuts it to cover just beyond her nipple (held in place with bra
pads) and the dressing is reused for up to 3 days, the cost was very
cheap--just around $6 for 4 pads. There were a couple to choose from and the
ones I got were about 2 1/2 X 1 1/2 inch.

I'll give an evaluation later.

Patricia Gima, IBCLC
Milwaukee
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