Cracked nipple

This article is about the postpartum development of cracked nipples in women related to breastfeeding. For other uses, see Fissure of the nipple.

Cracked nipple (nipple trauma or nipple fissure)[1] is a condition that can occur in breastfeeding women as a result of a number of possible causes. Developing a cracked nipple can result in soreness, dryness or irritation to, or bleeding of, one or both nipples during breastfeeding. The mother with a cracked nipple can have severe nipple pain when the baby is nursing. This severe pain is a disincentive for continued breastfeeding. The crack can appear as a cut across the tip of the nipple and may extend to its base.[2] Cracked nipple can develop after the birth of the infant and is managed with pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment.[3]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Sant2016 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference ncbi was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Henry 2016, p. 120.