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IJCP Article (.pdf)

All-Purpose Nipple Ointments

Jack Newman, MD, a Canadian pediatrician who is a widely recognized expert in breastfeeding, developed an ointment for sore nipples that combines an antibiotic (mupirocin) with an anti-inflammatory agent (betamethasone) and antifungals (nystatin and clotrimazole, or miconazole). The ointment is applied sparingly after each feeding and does not have to be wiped off before the next nursing. Newman suggests using it until the nipples are pain free, then gradually reducing application over a week. As with most powerful steroid ointments, use should be limited. In one case, use of a nipple cream for 2 months resulted in signs of corticosteroid excess in an infant.