Nipple Laceration
Same nipple, 7 months later |
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.
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