OB-GYN 101

Occasionally, with vigorous nursing or newborn biting, a nipple laceration will occur. This requires careful attention to avoid a major wound infection or breast abscess.

The nipple should be kept very clean and breast feeding on that side stopped to allow the nipple to completely heal.

Instruct the patient to watch for any increasing tenderness or redness, which may be evidence of a developing infection.

Routine administration of antibiotics are generally not necessary unless the laceration is already infected or grossly contaminated.  

Nipple Laceration

Same nipple, 7 months later