I have a patient with worsening nipple eczema who is nursing a 3mo old.
She has a history of preexisting eczema including the nipples prior to
pregnancy. She has been using over the counter 1% HC cream but her
eczema is worsening to the point of having cracked and bleeding nipples.
Mom is a trooper and has been using shells to keep anything from
touching her nipples. I am considering using a higher strength steroid
cream. Does any one know if Elocon cream (mometasone furoate) which can
be applied once daily would be safe. I know that topical steroids do not
get adsorbed enough to get into mothers milk but applied to the nipples
a small amount will probably get ingested by the baby. I figure that
with a once a day cream applied after nursing before one of the baby's
longer sleep periods might be safer. Your input would be greatly
appreciated.

David Abdun-Nur, MD  family practice in Grants Pass, Oregon