Milk blister

Milk Blister
Synonyms	Nipple blister, milk bleb
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Painful white or yellow spot on the nipple
Complications	Blocked milk duct, mastitis
Onset	During breastfeeding
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Blocked nipple pore
Risks	Poor latch, oversupply, nipple trauma
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Warm compresses, improved latch, topical treatments
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in breastfeeding women
Deaths	N/A

A milk blister, also known as a nipple blister or milk bleb, is a condition that occurs in breastfeeding women. It is characterized by a small, painful white or yellow spot on the nipple, which is caused by a blocked nipple pore. This condition can lead to discomfort during breastfeeding and may result in complications such as a blocked milk duct or mastitis.

Causes

Milk blisters are typically caused by a blockage in the nipple pore, which can occur due to several factors:

• Poor latch: An improper latch during breastfeeding can cause friction and trauma to the nipple, leading to a milk blister.
• Oversupply of milk: An excessive supply of milk can increase the pressure in the milk ducts, contributing to the formation of a blister.
• Nipple trauma: Any form of trauma to the nipple, such as from a breast pump or incorrect breastfeeding technique, can result in a milk blister.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a milk blister is a painful white or yellow spot on the nipple. This spot may be accompanied by:

• Sharp pain during breastfeeding
• Tenderness in the affected area
• Swelling or redness around the blister

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a milk blister is typically made based on the appearance of the nipple and the symptoms reported by the breastfeeding mother. A healthcare provider may examine the nipple to confirm the presence of a blister and rule out other conditions such as thrush or mastitis.

Treatment

Treatment for a milk blister focuses on relieving pain and resolving the blockage. Common treatments include:

• Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected nipple can help soften the blister and promote drainage.
• Improved latch: Ensuring a proper latch during breastfeeding can reduce friction and prevent further trauma to the nipple.
• Topical treatments: Applying a lanolin cream or other nipple ointment can provide relief and promote healing.
• Manual expression: Gently expressing milk by hand can help clear the blockage.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may need to open the blister with a sterile needle to relieve the blockage.

Prevention

Preventing milk blisters involves maintaining good breastfeeding practices, such as:

• Ensuring a proper latch
• Avoiding excessive use of breast pumps
• Regularly changing breastfeeding positions
• Keeping nipples dry and clean

Complications

If left untreated, a milk blister can lead to:

• Blocked milk duct: A persistent blockage can cause a milk duct to become clogged, leading to pain and swelling.
• Mastitis: An infection of the breast tissue that can occur if a blocked duct is not resolved.

Also see

• Breastfeeding
• Mastitis
• Thrush
• Lactation consultant