I personally have eczema on my nipples. I have found that I need to be very observant and start treating a flare up as soon as it happens. When I first got eczema, my first son was 22 months old. My second son is now 6 months old. I used a very strong steroid cream initially I can't remember exactly what it was. I used it after each feeding and only fed one breast per feed. I now use 1% over the counter cortisone cream when a flare occurs. I did not wash off the cream before feedings. I spoke to a dermatologist (Sharon Billon MD) who did a study with Kathleen Huggins (Twenty Cases of Persistant Sore Nipples JHL 1993) before I started with the steroid cream. Other things that the dermatologist suggested that have helped to keep flare ups to a minium are wearing a cotton bra that does not have a seam over the nipple. Changing bras or nursing pads frequently even if they are just damp. Leaving my nipples open to air when possible. Being observant and treating early. Hope this helps. Helen Schieve RN BSN LLLL