Nipple bleb
| Nipple bleb | |
|---|---|
| Other names: Milk bleb, blocked nipple pore, milk blister | |
 | |
| Nipple bleb | |
 | |
| Specialty | Family medicine |
| Symptoms | Yellow or white spot on the nipple[1] |
| Complications | Blocked milk duct, mastitis[2] |
| Usual onset | Breastfeeding[1] |
| Duration | 2 days[3] |
| Differential diagnosis | Blocked milk duct[4] |
| Treatment | None, warm soaks, lance with a needle[2][1] |
| Frequency | Relatively common[5][3] |
A nipple bleb is a light yellow or white spot that may occur on the nipple in a women who is breastfeeding.[1] It may be painful, particularly with feeding.[1] They usually resolve within 2 days.[3] Complications may include a blocked milk duct or mastitis.[2]
The underlying mechanism is believed to involve a blocked nipple pore, either by excessive tissue growth, thick milk, or injury.[2] There is no evidence of underlying infection.[2] Diagnosis is based on appearance.[3]
If there is no pain, specific treatment is not required.[1] Otherwise initial treatment is often with warm soaks or gentle washing.[2] Occasionally they may be lanced with a sterile needle.[2] Ibuprofen may also be taken.[6] Breastfeeding should be continued.[1] While lecithin supplements have been used, evidence of benefit or safety is unclear.[7][8] They are relatively common.[5][3]
Signs and symptoms
Shapeless raised, smooth, shiny, pimple-like, tiny bumps filled with water/fluid formed on breasts or in and around the nipple pore might appear.[9] The colour of these fluid in nipple blebs may vary from white, yellow or transparent. They become flat when pressure is applied on them or punctured with hands.[10] This can cause discomfort or pain to the lactating mother while breastfeeding.[10]
Treatment
In case of slight or painless blebs, it is advised to continue the breastfeed to unclog the milk duct or prevent it from clogging altogether. Breastfeeding mothers should make the baby latch properly. In case of pain after breastfeeding one can try wet, warm heating pads before and after each feeding. Ice packs can be soothing as well. One can massage the area applying gentle pressure around the duct to help loosen up the blockage. [10] Tight-fitting bras should be avoided; if the cloth of the bra is rubbing against the nipples, a nursing pad can be used to ease the friction.[10]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "White spot | Australian Breastfeeding Association". www.breastfeeding.asn.au. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Walker, Marsha (13 December 2021). Breastfeeding Management for the Clinician: Using the Evidence. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p. 502. ISBN 978-1-284-22548-8. Archived from the original on 28 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Milk Bleb: Blister, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment". Cleveland Clinic. Archived from the original on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ↑ "Plugged Milk Ducts and Nipple Blebs" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 June 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Re: Managing common breastfeeding problems in the community". 27 January 2024. Archived from the original on 18 November 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ↑ "Sore, tender and damaged nipples – Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand". www.tewhatuora.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ↑ "Lecithin". Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. 2006. Archived from the original on 1 September 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ↑ "Protocol #6 Plugged Ducts" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ↑ "Blisters on Nipples - Breastfeeding Support". Breastfeeding Support. 2014-08-18. Archived from the original on 2018-10-27. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "Information and Tips on How to Treat Nipple Blebs While Breastfeeding". Verywell Family. Archived from the original on 2018-10-27. Retrieved 2018-10-27.
External links
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Look up nipple, teat, or papilla in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |