Nipples scarred from breastfeeding? Doctors explain causes and what to do next

It can be very difficult for mothers to breastfeed with scarred nipples, but according to dermatologist Dr. Jean Marquez, the scarring can be due to the dry condition of the skin.

"Napaka-engorged na ng breast, so napaka-prone niyan to dryness kasi stretched out 'yung skin. Prone din 'yan to irritation," she said in an episode of Pinoy MD.

"Maaring 'yung sabon niya ay too drying na para sa kanyang condition... dapat mga mild lang," she added.

OB-gynecologist Dr. Raul Quillamor, on the other hand, said scarring may also occur because the baby does not properly latch on to the nipple during breastfeeding.

"Minsan, nagsusugat 'yung nipple dahil mali 'yung latching. Kasi minsan...'yung lips ng baby ay nagsu-surround sa nipple — Hindi 'yan tamang latching," Quillamor said.

The right latch, he explains is when the lips of the baby surrounds the areola — "'yung colored area, dapat doon naka-hug 'yung lips ng baby.  Hindi lang doon sa nipples," Quillamor said.

According to Marquez, breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor about the scarring, as this could lead to infection.

"Kung 'yung nipple ay nagkakaroon ng mga sugat (o) kung man may infection, ipatingin niyo po muna 'yan."

Marquez also said moms can try rub-on solutions like petroleum jelly or coconut oil, provided they would be safe for the baby.

However, she clarified these should not be applied prior to breastfeeding.

"Ang mga puwede niyang ipahid, pwede namang petroleum gel, pwede naman 'yung coconut oil, so at least safe 'yun sa bata. Iwasan na 'yung mga scented na moisturizers or baka naman gumamit pa kayo ng mga whiteners," the doctor said.

"Pwede rin siyang mag-lotion (pero) of course, huwag lang maglo-lotion prior to breastfeeding baka naman makain naman ng bata," she added.

Quillamor also reminded mothers who experience this problem to simply consider switching to the other breast.

"Dalawa naman po ang breasts," Marquez agreed. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News