Yes, the yeast usually (and most likely did in this case) start it all but secondary bacterial infection sets in. Culturing myself 11 years ago, candida, strep and even staph were found. After so many rounds of so many things (and so many, many months and LC's -- and the birth of an interest in studying about lactation) ONLY a good antibiotic taken along with the Diflucan and using Neosporin (that itself was a dream-come- true) topically did the condition clear-up. The g. violet and other drying advice of the time definitely worsened things for me. I believe it was causing tiny cracks in my skin that allowed infection to set in. Moisturized, but not damp, is the key. UV light is wonderful for killing these bugs topically but the winter sun won't help. *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET email list is powered by LISTSERV (R). There is only one LISTSERV. To learn more, visit: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html