About the mother with a nipple crack:
Many years ago I used UV lightsource for sore nipples (when you could
use a sunlamp).  Mine was a lab. UV lamp that my husband brought home
from his lab - I could get the wavelength info from him. Before all of
the moist wound healing stuff became the in thing UV light always
seemed to be very helpful for the mothers who tried it.  Unless the
mother in question knows that her skin condition gets worse in
the sun it might be worth a try.  The hairdryer is currently not
recommended by the experts.

Sarah Barnett Bronx, NY