In response to the question about the baby's ingestion of pus from the
infected eczema on the mother's breast, this is no problem for the baby.
Many babies would have ingested pus while breastfeeding when the mother has
an abscess which is draining into a duct without ill-effect.
However, it is more appropriate to treat the infection with a topical
antibiotic like mupirocin (Bactroban) as well as treating the eczema with a
steroid (like Diprosone ointment). It usually clears up in a couple of days.
See: Amir LH. Eczema of the nipple and breast: a case report. Journal of
Human Lactation 1993; 9: 173-175.
Lisa Amir
MBBS, MMed, IBCLC in Melbourne, Australia

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