A milk blister, also known as a nipple bleb, appears as a small, white or clear spot on the nipple or areola. It can sometimes be painful for breastfeeding parents. It forms when a milk duct opening becomes blocked, leading to a buildup of milk or a small piece of skin covering the duct opening. While generally not dangerous, milk blisters can cause discomfort and make nursing challenging.
Understanding Milk Blisters
This blockage can occur due to a thin layer of skin growing over a milk duct, or from thickened milk or a sticky substance (biofilm) that accumulates near the nipple surface. Inflammation within the milk ducts can also contribute to their formation.
Parents with milk blisters often experience sharp, localized pain, particularly during breastfeeding. This discomfort may feel like a stinging or burning sensation focused at the site of the blister. A feeling of a “plug” or blockage behind the nipple can also occur.
Home Management Strategies
Applying warm compresses before feeding helps soften the milk blister and encourage the duct to open. Soaking the nipple in warm water for about 10-15 minutes, perhaps with Epsom salts or saline solution (two teaspoons of Epsom salt or one teaspoon of salt per cup of water), is also beneficial. This warmth helps expand the skin and may facilitate the release of the blockage.
Gentle massage of the affected area assists in clearing the duct. Begin massaging behind the blister and work towards the nipple with light pressure, avoiding aggressive manipulation which can worsen inflammation. Nursing frequently, especially by starting on the breast with the milk blister, encourages consistent milk flow and helps dislodge the blockage.
Experimenting with different feeding positions optimizes milk drainage from various parts of the breast. For instance, positions that allow the baby’s chin to point towards the blister provides more direct pressure. Placing a cotton ball soaked in olive oil or coconut oil inside the bra between feedings helps soften the skin over the blister. Maintaining good hygiene is important, but avoid attempting to “pop” or forcefully remove the blister yourself to prevent infection.
Preventing Milk Blisters and When to Seek Professional Support
To prevent milk blisters from recurring, ensuring a deep and effective latch during breastfeeding is important. An improper latch can create friction or inadequate milk removal, contributing to blockages. Avoiding tight clothing or bras that put pressure on the breasts also helps maintain proper milk flow and reduce the risk of irritation. Addressing underlying issues like milk oversupply or thrush, if present, also aids in prevention.
While many milk blisters resolve with home care, seeking professional medical advice is advised if certain signs appear. Persistent pain that interferes with breastfeeding, or the presence of signs of infection, requires medical attention. These signs include redness, swelling, increased warmth, fever, or pus around the blister. If the milk blister does not resolve with home management within a few days or recurs frequently, consult a healthcare provider or lactation consultant.