Research validates recommending that moms with injured nipples wash them 
with mild soap 2-3 times a day to reduce the number of organisms 
available to ascend into the breast to cause mastitis or abscess. 
They've often been told NOT to ever wash their nipples with soap (the 
pendulum has swung from washing with horrible alcohol based things 
before every nursing!).

Medical grade honey applied to wounded nipples (Medihoney) may help 
healing and also reduce the risk of infection in high risk women. In 
research studies it is as effective as mupiricin (bactroban) at reducing 
ostomy infections.

I've only seen abscess secondary to mastitis as well, but sometimes the 
mastitis symptoms are nebulous and mom has difficulty telling the pain 
from the pain of her sore nipples.

Catherine Watson Genna, BS, IBCLC  NYC

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