Dear Nutters -- Add this to your list of things to ask before you recommend Gentian Violet for use. True phone conversation this week: Mom: I think I'm in the Lucy Ricardo school of breastfeeding. Me (chuckling): Oh? Tell me more. (Good counseling response....) Mom: Well, I tried the gentian violet. Me: Yes? Mom: At 2:00 in the morning, and it got all over her face. Me: Ummm -- did you turn a light on? Mom: Well, yes, a dim one. I didn't think it would be THAT messy! And now her face is stained purple. Me: I can only imagine. You're right -- it does sound like the Lucy & Desi show. How do your nipples feel? Mom: Well, better. But, Jan, I have to tell you, this is the LAST straw. I QUIT! We are leaving for Phoenix today ON THE AIRPLANE and I have to take her LOOKING LIKE THIS!!! Me: I'm really sorry. I didn't think to ask you if you were going out of town immediately. I would have suggested you might want to wait if I had known that. Moral of the story: If you are going to suggest using gentian violet as a treatment, ask first if they have (a) travel plans, (b) christening plans, (c) plans for a family photo shoot, (d) anything but basic staying at home plans...... Jan B. <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/bsccenter">http://members.aol.com/bsccenter</ A>