Thrush on Nipples

Hi C.-
I battled thrush on my nipples for months with my daughter, we kept passing it back and forth. It was terrible and I almost quit nursing. I tried most of the things the other women suggested with only temporary relief. For immediate relief you should change the pH of your skin so the yeast will no longer thrive. I used baking soda all over myself in the shower and washed my nursing bras and pads in it too. I went to the health food store and bought Pau de Arco tea and capsules. You make a very strong tea and dab it on your nipples with a cotton ball as often as you think about it. I also take two capsules three times a day. I did this until neither of us had any symptoms anymore. I also take acidophilus to support my own immune system. When I'm done nursing I plan to do some sort of fungal cleanse. Good luck!

I've not yet had the "pleasure" of cracked nipples or thrush of the nipple, but I have had thrush in the mouth.
A good friend suggested a "basil paste" pack in my mouth and it worked wonders.
I would think, the same paste applied to your nipple, would do NO HARM to you or the baby while you sort this out. At worst, the baby may find the minty basil residual taste a little offensive, but maybe not.

Take fresh basil leaves, rinsed and dried, chop into a "paste" (almost like tobacco chew) and pack onto your nipple. allow to sit for a while. maybe try securing it on your nipple between the bra with a cotton pad or even the die-hard cabbage leaf.

(Orally you would chew the basil and keep it between your cheek and gums, like tobacco.....)

Since your daughter is 2 - maybe she would enjoy chewing and eating basil leaves? Or even drinking a basil tea very lightly sweetened with stevia or honey.

The suggestion to limit sugars is a very good one indeed, especially if you are looking at a systemic infection. The addition of acidophilus (capsules - check the refrigerated section of yur local whole food grocer, as well as eating plenty of organic yogurt) and garlic tabs (odor free please!) would be really helpful as well.

I had thrush while nursing my first child. We kept basing it back and forth. I would suggest contacting your daughters Pedi and tell them the situation. What really helped me was the Nystantin (oral) that my son's doctor's office perscripted for him. I would put it on my nipples after I showered or nursed or anything (make sure to let it dry). My own doctor's office said it wouldn't make a difference but believe it or not it did. Because if you do have it, chances are your daughter will to. If she does get it watch her bottom. Because the yeast (small raised shiny bumps) will go all the way through her system and give her diaper rash too. Also, make sure to let your nipples air dry after nursing. Don't "close up shop" right away after she stops. Let it "all hang out" for a few minutes after stopping. The air will help to heal it, especially if you use nursing pads. And for that matter make sure to change pads often. Sometimes milk gets inside the pads and keeps it against your skin making things worse. It is also safe to use Lanolin on your nipples the baby can ingest it so you don't have to wipe it off before feedings. Continue to nurse on that side or the milk could dry up. I know it hurts (I'm speaking from experience here). It will take it a while to heal, but continue to nurse on that side.

My baby and I had thrush for 3 WEEKS when he was just a month old. I tried Nystatin & Gentian Violet x 2 weeks with no improvement. Finally I took Diflucan x 2weeks and used the "all purpose nipple cream" and it went away. The "all purpose nipple cream" is a combo of an antifungal, antibacterial, and steriod. It is great, especially if you are not sure what exactly the problem is. Google Jack Newman and thrush and you will get some great info about how to deal with this problem. Jack Newman is a serious breastfeeding advocate. Also, I am a certified nurse-midwife and this is how I would treat any patient..if in fact thrush is the problem. Make sure you get a correct diagnosis. I find that lactation consultants know more then OB/GYN/Midwife providers.

Hi, I had thrush on my nipples on and off for years when I was nursing. There is a lotion you can use that your doc can write you a script for, however if she dismissed your concerns you made need to see another doc. Some people still use gentian violet. You can ask the pharmacist for some. You paint it on your nipples. The down side is that kiddo has purple lips for a few days.

Good Luck :)

Hi C.,

If it were me, I would assume that the yeast infection is systemic, not local. In other words, I consider that the yeast infection is manifesting vaginally and at your nipple. I think I would ask the LLL what she thought about using gentian violet to treat the nipple. I haven't nursed in a long time (::sniff::) and I'm a little rusty on the subject, even though I used to be a LLL.

The other thing you might consider doing (I don't know if anyone's mentioned this to you), is following a sugar-restricted diet until you get the yeast back in balance. You can probably google to find good information about this.

Anyway, I hope this is helpful and that you're feeling better really, really soon!! Congratulations, too, on nursing your daughter! (I always felt that extended nursing should be called "nursing," and nursing less than one year should be called "abbreviated nursing.")

Hi C.,

I would get a 2nd medical opinion. If it is thrush on the nipple, and it's not treated, it's likely to pass from you to your daughter and back. Your GYN may not be all that familiar with thrush - remember that OB's are surgeons, and their training in breastfeeding issues is pretty much zero unless they opt to educate themselves. Definitely don't let this go untreated.

Good luck and I hope you heal up soon!

My son had thrush in his mouth when he was only 1 week old. (he is 4 months now) and before I knew what it was that he had, I ended up with it on my nipple also (only one, not both nipples either) Both of us were put on Nystatin (sp) His was orally and mine was a cream that I had to rub on my nipple after every feeding. And yes you could still nurse with it on your nipple, it didn't hurt him. It does sound to me like it is thrush, especially since you do currently have a yeast infection. I am not sure how your OB is, but I am able to call, tell them what I believe I have, and they'll automatically prescribe what is needed. If all else fails, call your daughter's pediatrician, they too could tell you if it is thrush.

Hope that helps. K.