Becky, be sure to rule out nipple compression (trauma) from suboptimum positioning, poor suck, etc. and thrush. Might just be friction on the hard palate that will go away when baby's better at strippng the sinuses not the nipple itself. Kay H has a slide of a skin tag that was so painful mom couldn't bear nursing. Probably can't change the nipple. Last resort if nothing else works might be a nipple shield (no, I haven't gone mad) with some hand-expression to help support supply if prolactin response is compromised by the shield. And mom could take mild pain reliever/antiinflammatory to see if it helps. And check with a dermatologist for other ideas. Linda Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC - Dayton OH