>
> >>I cannot come to terms with a physiologic reason why skin would "grow
>over"
> >>the nipple pore.

I see it as a "gall" on a tree, bush or such.  It is caused by irritation 
to the bark from fungus or bacteria and the gall encases the culprit.

I see the bleb as a reaction to an irritated milk duct leading to the 
nipple pore.  The skin covering is like a blister covering meant to encase 
the tissue for healing.  It is not a very smart plan, in my opinion.

I have had several clients call about a blocked duct and upon examination 
of the nipple they see the bleb.  It may be recessed and not as readily 
visible as most of them are.

Most of my clients are not pumping (nor was I when I had a bleb) and they 
break the thin covering with a sterile needle then feed the baby, finding 
great relief.  I then recommend that they treat the irritated nipple pore 
for several days with Jack Newman's ointment or a mixture of 
over-the-counter polysporin and cortisone.  I have found that this 
follow-up treatment helps to prevent a recurrence of the skin covering. It 
seems to treat the original cause of the bleb.

Patricia Gima

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