I agree with Barbara Wilson-Clay, that this sounds like dermatitis /
eczema. The Kenacomb would have helped because it includes a steroid, but
she would improve more with a stronger steroid, like Diprosone ointment.
Usually the skin will be back to normal in one week, and then she
should stop the strong steroid and use a weaker one if necessary.
The case report in the Journal of Human Lactation is Vol 9 : 173-175,
1993.
As more people are becoming aware of nipple thrush, we are finding
dermatitis is sometimes being misdiagnosed as thrush. Occasionally,
thrush and dermatitis occur together - but usually not - so treatment is
best directed at one or the other.
Lisa Amir
GP / IBCLC in Melbourne, Australia