I have used betamethasone ointment, 0.05% topically for nipple eczema with great success. I ask the mother to apply it sparingly after each feeding, and not wash or wipe it off, no matter what the pharmacist says. Once the mother is feeling better, usually within 24-48 hours, she can decrease the use to maintain pain free nursings, often only once a day or less. Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC