Means against cracks on the nipples

The skin of the nipples is tender and sensitive, so it can be injured with the formation of cracks (fissures). Most often, breastfeeding women face this problem, who not only have to endure pain, but also endanger the ingress of bacteria through cracks, which leads to inflammation and can cause purulent mastitis. But there are effective and affordable remedies for cracks in the nipples: ointments, creams, oils and vitamins.

What creams and ointments from cracks on the nipples are most often recommended by doctors?

[1],

Ointments from cracks on the nipples with vitamin B5

Ointment Panthenol (other trade names - Bepanten, Pantoderm) is recognized as an effective tool against cracks in the nipples due to the included dexpanthenol derivative of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). This vitamin is involved in the processes of tissue regeneration in the body and, absorbed into the skin with external application, normalizes intracellular metabolism, stimulating the restoration of damaged nipple tissue. As part of the ointment - as an auxiliary substance - there is lanolin (which in fact is three times more than dexpanthenol); this is a natural compound of saturated fatty acids - palmitic and ceretinic (in the form of isocholesterol esters).

The ointment also contains medical petroleum jelly (a mixture of purified paraffin oil), which retains moisture well in the skin, preventing it from cracking. In the official instruction for Panthenol ointment it is indicated that before feeding the baby the nipple should be freed from the remnants of the ointment with the help of a napkin and boiled water. Obviously, this is due to two factors. First, you should avoid getting petrolatum on the mucous membranes. Secondly, pantothenic acid, which got into the body of a child during feeding, can increase the production of acetylcholine, which may result in an increase in diuresis, problems with sleeping, pain and bloating in the abdomen, constipation or diarrhea.

Contains 5% dexpanthenol and cream from cracks on the nipples of MamaCare (Ukraine); In addition, in its composition there are oils of sea-buckthorn and calendula, vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids - linoleic and linolenic.

Creams from cracks on the nipples with lanolin

The already mentioned lanolin, produced by the sebaceous glands of hair-covered animals, in particular sheep (lanolin from sheep wool is used in medicine and the cosmetic industry) is the main active ingredient of such popular means from nipple cracks like Medela cream (Swiss product), cream Purelan (Medela Purelan).

Modern analytical methods have revealed a certain physico-chemical similarity between lanolin and lipids (fats) of the human stratum corneum. Lipids help regulate the level of skin hydration. External products containing lanolin are used to treat or prevent dry skin and pruritis (pruritus).

And the composition of the cream from cracks on the nipples Avent - Moisturising Soothing Nipple Cream (company Philips Avent) includes not only lanolin, but also coconut oil, and an extract of aloe (aloe vera). Coconut oil is rich in lauric and myristic fatty acids and contains up to 1% of vitamin E; the juice of the leaves of aloe and the extract obtained from it contains biological active substances (glycosides, anthrons, lectins, etc.). This cream moisturizes the skin and helps to heal uninfected fissures. However, aloe is known for its laxative qualities (due to the presence of anthraquinone glycosides), so when using Avent cream the nipples should also be washed before putting the baby to the breast.

[2], [3]

Other pharmacological agents for nipple cracks

In the domestic market, the recommended as a remedy for cracks on the nipples is ointment or gel Solcoseryl, as well as its synonym (generic) Actovegin cream.

The main active substance of these agents is a biogenic stimulant, made from protein (deproteinized) whey of calves, purified from proteins. According to manufacturers, low-molecular hemodializate contributes to anesthesia and healing of wounds, trophic ulcers and burns, stimulates the regeneration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with minimal scarring. In the official instruction of the recommendation to apply Solcoseryl with cracks on the juices are absent.

Solcoseryl is banned by the FDA as a medicinal product in the US, as well as in Canada by the National Pharmacology Committees (NAPRA). Actovegin cream has also been banned in these countries since 2011, and in Western Europe, Australia and Japan this drug has no official approval for use as a medicine.

In the treatment of inflamed pustular (streptococcal and staphylococcal) inflammation can be used as an ointment from cracks in the nipples:

• Synthomycin (1% emulsion of synthomycin) is a bacteriostatic antibiotic of the chloramphenicol group (levomycetins);
• Levomecol (levomycetin + methyluracil) polyethylene oxides, which are part of this ointment, can cause acidosis, bloating, diarrhea, hemodynamics, lowering blood pressure and body temperature when entering the body of a newborn in significant amounts.
• Methyluracil is a 10% ointment based on a substance that is a non-steroidal anabolic, capable of accelerating the restoration of damaged tissues, stimulating the synthesis of blood cells (leukocytes and erythrocytes); It is recommended for the treatment of radiation damage to the skin, purulent wounds, burns, trophic ulcers, pressure sores, dermatitis, etc.
• For wet cracks with dermatitis or streptodermia are suitable:
• Zinc oxide zinc ointment, which works as an antiseptic and an antioxidant; removes inflammation and irritation, but forms crusts on the skin;
• Sudokrem (analogue - Desitin ointment) contains zinc oxide, the astringent properties of which soften lanolin;
• antiseptic ointment Vinilin with cracks in the nipples (Polyvinoks) with the development of purulent inflammation (mastitis) is now used very rarely, although it helps to restore the epithelium; However, without consulting a doctor, it should not be used.

Alternative means for cracks on the nipples

The most common alternative means for cracking nipples include oils, vitamins, bee products (propolis and honey), as well as medicinal plants.

Which is the most effective oil? This is considered to be sea buckthorn oil from cracks in the nipples - due to the presence of omega fatty acids (linoleic and α-linolenic), monounsaturated fatty acids (palmitic), carotenoids (β-carotene, zeaxanthin and lycopene), tocopherol (vitamin E), tocotrienols and plant sterols.

As oil from cracks on the nipples is also recommended: cocoa butter, rosehip oil, eucalyptus oils, almond, peach, tea tree.

Having antioxidant qualities of vitamin E from cracks on the nipples helps protect the skin from infections, and also facilitates the restoration of damaged epithelium.

Vitamin A from cracks on the nipples (in the form of an oil solution Retinol acetate) enhances the skin's ability to resist pathological keratinization. In pharmacies, you can find Vitamins Ointment with an oil solution of carotene.

A good home remedy is an emulsion for lubricating cracks on nipples based on fish oil (rich in vitamin A) and dissolved in hot boiled water propolis, as well as a balm consisting of natural liquid honey (preferably May) and fish oil (3: 1 ratio) .

Poorly healing cracks on the nipples in the people are treated with compresses of their freshly brewed juice, nettle decoction, a mixture of freshly squeezed carrot juices and leaves of the century (1: 2). And with the appearance of thrush on the nipples, it is recommended to wash the nipples with broths of burdock roots, black elderberry and calendula flowers or walnut leaves.

Correctly selected cream or ointment from cracks on the nipples will help prevent cracking of the nipples and accelerate their healing. Antibacterial ointments are necessary for infectious inflammation. But no other moisturizers commonly used for other parts of the body should be applied to the nipple area! And carefully look, what is included in the composition of this or that remedy from cracks on the nipples.

[4]