Pink/red nipples??

Keephope2012 · April 2014

I haven't posted too much here but am EBF my 3 month old and I just finished a 14 day course of diflucan for yeast (after 2weeks of a topical did not work) and my nipples are still pretty pink/red. Is there a chance this is just the norm for me and not the stupid yeast? I do have sensitive skin and eczema though never on my nipples. I'm not having burning. I have been washing and sterilizing things like crazy and I'm really getting frustrated with this issue!! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! On a separate note has anyone used gentian violet for yeast?

[Deleted User] · April 2014

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Keephope2012 · April 2014

Yes that's pretty much it. I've had so many problems since starting BFing (inverted nipples, cracking and bleeding, yeast) I don't know what's normal! Wasn't sure if they would continue to stay so red or if it was yeast...

vvvvvfee · April 2014

if they look redder than usual it could still be the yeast. you might want to continue with topical cream (or you can also apply vinegar mixed with a little water) for another couple of weeks just to make sure you get rid of it completely. thrush can be really persistent. maybe also take a probiotic for a while.

did you wash your bras with a cup of vinegar in the washing machine? did you check your LOs mouth to see if there is any thrush (white patches)? it's possible to pass it back and forth with your LO.

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seawater · April 2014

It could still be the yeast that's irritating your nipples. Thrush sucks and is so hard to get rid of. I've been dealing with it for about a month and totally understand your frustration. I'd echo PP advice to keep using topical cream / vinegar rinses in dishwasher and laundry as well as your nipples (half vinegar half water solution) / taking a probiotic for at least another couple weeks just to make sure it's really gone.

A few more suggestions I've gotten from my lactation consultant include:

Grapefruit seed extract: I use the both the liquid extract (must be diluted in water) and the tablets. The liquid can be used on nipples, laundry and on baby's mouth and butt if LO has symptoms (again, make sure it's diluted). I take 250mg 3x a day.

Garlic suppliments: Odorless capsules (4-6 a day)

Echinacea: Helps boost your immune system to help fight the yeast overgrowth.

I've done a combination of all of this for the last month and finally feel like it's under control. I've never used the gentain violet but hear it is really messy and stains everything it touches purple. It is supposed to be very effective though.

Good luck! I hope you get relief soon!

Keephope2012 · April 2014

Thanks everyone. Do you rinse bafore feeding when doing the vinegar/water rinse? I have APNO do you think I should use it after every feeding? Can you use that too much? I started using that months ago for cracking and pain prior to the yeast. I will check LOs mouth again but she hasn't had white patches- could she still be passing it back to me? I am using vinegar in the wash and drying everything on the sanitize setting. Still sterilizing pump parts and bottles after each use. I don't understand why we are still struggling with this!!

vvvvvfee · April 2014

i know, it's a pain! it is really persistent.

i would put something on after each feeding. maybe alternate the APNO and vinegar. try to cut back on sugar and refined carbs (white flour) in your diet. another thing you can try in addition to all other suggestions is to get some bragg's organic apple cider vinegar (they have it at whole foods and vitamin shoppe) and drink a tablespoon once a day mixed with water.

seawater · April 2014

You could do the rinse before, but make sure it's really washed off or your LO might refuse to nurse because of the taste/smell of the vinegar. Either way I'd do it afterward for sure. And you can't use the APNO too much so don't worry about that. I use it a ton throughout the day. And as far as I know, everyone has yeast growth in their system and it's just when it gets out of control that the thrush occurs. So I think your LO could be passing it back and forth even if they don't have symptoms (?). Mine never had the white spots but did have a wicked yeast diaper rash. Keep up everything you've been doing...it will pass, even if it feels like forever!

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