Dear Lactnetters: I would like to hear your opinions on when to obtain cultures of sore nipples and milk. I am concerned that treating sore nipples with APNO (all purpose nipple ointment containing an antibiotic, an antifungal, and a cortisone) is overtreating when I really don't know what infection is present, yet I don't want to have costly tests performed unnecessarily. Is it common practice to culture nipples that are appear infected? Also: When would you consider culturing breastmilk? I've read on Lactnet references to bacteria found in breastmilk, but wonder what symptoms were present that indicated a culture was needed. Thanks Melinda Harris-Mouton Nurse Practitioner, IBCLC Washington State *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome