Margaret wrote:
> This is her fourth baby and she breastfed all of the previous three very successfully. About 8 weeks ago she developed severe eczema, starting on her hands. She is a hairdresser and leaving her job has resulted in some relief from the symptoms. However, her concern is that she has the eczema on her nipples, she has been advised by her skin specialist that she can't use any topical steroids at all while she is pregnant.<

Perhaps this mother would find it helpful to investigate the causes of
the eczema so that she could take appropriate action and maybe even
eliminate the cause. Karen Zeretzke writes about this in her Leaven
article, "Yeast Infections and the Breastfeeding Family,"
http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVOctNov98p91.html

>Skin eczema, dermatitis or inflammation can mimic characteristics of
thrush - red, dry, itchy, peeling skin that produces discomfort which
can be severe. Causes of eczema on the nipples or breasts include dry
skin, very dry air, solids the baby is eating, laundry detergent/soap
residue in clothing, ointments or cream (the preparation itself or
rubbing to remove it before the baby nurses), bath soap or cleansing
gel (the preparation itself or improper rinsing), antibacterial
cleanser, powder, hair spray, deodorant, perfume or lotion.<

norma

             ***********************************************

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 mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html