In our region of the world we do not get the advice to use soap or soapy water for any woundcleansing on any part of the body. Common advice: rinse with running water when a  wound is ''fresh'' and possibly has dirt in it, making the wound ''bleed through'' to have bacteria flushed out (possibly by using warm water for rinsing). Then perhaps an antibacterial fluid or spray is used like betadine (not on nipples!)

Warmly,

Gonneke,
IBCLC, LLLL in southern Netherlands

Cassandra Leahy <[log in to unmask]> wrote: This is a great discussion and I am very interested in learning how others 
manage wound care on nipples.

When I am working with a mom with sore nipples particularly with visual 
damage, I do recommend washing at least once a day with soap and rinsing 
dry.  Basic wound management; when she takes a shower clean the area, just 
like she would do if she cut her finger.

After feedings and after shower, I recommend expressing breast milk and 
patting it around areola.  If the wounds are particularly bad, I recommend 
saline flushes or soaks.

With generalized mild soreness, breast milk is a great fix, but for more severe 
discomfort with wound management I like to see the area cleaned.  As far as 
the soap, I believe any soap that the mom normally uses to shower is better 
than not cleaning the area at all.  If a mom asks me, I usually recommend soap 
with no dyes or fragrances/what she would use on the baby.

P.S. My main focus is on what caused the soreness :)

Casi Leahy
BA, RN, MSN, LCCE, IBCLC

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