I have seen no research on this (other than wonder Dr. Hale's personal taste testing some month's ago). Check the archives! I work with a group of pediatricians so take advantage of their experience with these meds and assume they know what they're doing... Bactroban is prescribed and Bactrican is handed out with no warning to wash off. Just apply trace amount to damaged area after feeding. Was warned to avoid Neosporin in this situation as possibly more likely to cause allergic reaction, such as inflammation of baby's skin in contact with med. Some concern that extended use of antibacterial meds on nipple may predispose to candidiasis so I do suggest to moms they use only until lesions closed. And I only recommend when nipple lesion is obviously deep and has been persistent. Joanna Koch, IBCLC in Los Altos, CA