Catching up on posts and have to disagree with suggestion to use tea tree oil
(Melaleuca alternifolia) on nipples for 2 reasons.  Maureen already mentioned
one - in concentrated form especially, it can be irritating/cause dermatitis.
On mucous membranes ( e.g.. mouth, vagina) double caution and considerable
dilution is required.  For mucous membranes, it is considered more a last
resort for treatment.  It falls off my list for application to nipples just
for this reason.

Second, use on nipples pretty well ensures that some of the oil is going to
end up in the baby and this oil is NOT for internal use!  Couldn't locate
precise LD50 but Duke describes as lethal in the order of one to a few
teaspoons for an adult.  It is used in tiny amounts for flavouring in food,
but Leong and Foster give the maximal amount allowable/used in food as 10
parts per million - less than 0.001%.

Like peppermint oil ( even peppermint tea does not mix with babies and young
children as even at this strength, the menthol can make them gag), tea tree
oil has serious risks for use on/near lactating breasts.  Topical application
of herbal preparations to nipples always raises the risk of
sensitization/allergic reaction especially in a young baby, and this risk
should be considered along with the possible benefits of use.  BUT toxic
remedies are, in my opinion, off the list!

Internal use of garlic, live yoghurt, and, from Jim Duke, strong chamomile tea
(with allergy precautions) are some strategies to prevent/fight off fungal,
etc. infections wherever they may occur ( that's for you, Pat).

Sheila Humphrey  BSc  RN  IBCLC
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