Hi Amy,
A couple of thoughts about your case. I would certainly encourage mom
to see maybe a dermatologist to see what is going on with the left
damaged nipple(even if she weans that side). It seems to have been
abnormal for quite some time, and I would think a systemic and not
just a topical would be needed if it is infected. Maybe a culture
could be done. Breast cancer can present as nipple changes, so that is
even a possibility.

I've been searching the web, but I just can't find what I am looking
for. I seem to remember there is a device to hold open a folded in
nipple wound, to help it dry and heal. I hope someone knows what I am
talking about. I'm not at work, it's probably in my sore nipple file.

My other concern would be a chance of having a problem with the right
(good) side at some point in the future (history of MRSA and NICU
exposure). If she had a problem on the right, she would have already
dried up the left.

Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC
Mississippi USA

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