Barbara, Or anyone else who has any thoughts: I posted in the past about a mother w/ what appeared to be ongoing yeast. She had tried many things and you (Barbara) thought it might be excema (a 2 dermatologists thought not, but it was worth a second look). You were concerned about an elimination diet possibly causing nutrient deficiency. Well, mom saw a doctor who has her taking lots of flax oil and a b-complex. She determined the mother does not have systemic yeast at this time (stool sample), but that she is not absorbing all nutrients. Mom also had been using a lot of lanolin and has stopped altogether. Her rash cleared completely and all seemed well. Then, sometime in the night, her nipple was literally torn open around the areola again. It seems as if the skin never fully recovers. (BTW, the child is almost 2). When the rash is present, the skin looks very inflamed. It has sometimes peeled, sometimes been oozy. Right now, it is like a "cut", not really oozy though. I suggested she have it cultured tomorrow. She and I both searched the Archives tonight and could find nothing really similar. Do you think it could be staph? What would make the skin so fragile? Why would it break down so badly so quickly? This mother was in tears tonight and is fearful that she cannot have more children b/c this never seems to heal (1st baby). As a reminder, this has been going on for over a year (definately was yeast in the beginning--although maybe w/ some other organism as well). Also, has affected both breasts, although usually not at the same time, probably b/c she gives the breasts a rest as they break out, thus taking turns w/ them. I am at a loss to help her--anyone? Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html