Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is sometimes the cause of sore nipples. The nipple and/or areola may be red in color with burning, itching and scaling. There may also be oozing and crusting. This can be very painful. Nursing mothers who develop eczema on their nipples may also be prone to eczema on other areas of the body.

Since you didn't mention the particular medication that has been prescribed, is it a low potency steroid cream (such as hydrocortisone)? If the eczema is mild this may do the trick. If using a higher potency steroid ointment (such as Diprosone) it should be used for no more than 10 days at a time to avoid the risk of pituitary-adrenal suppression. (Amir 1993)

To apply, allow your nipples to air dry following a feed. Smooth on a thin coat of ointment or cream. Because it will be well absorbed, it is not necessary to rinse the ointment/cream off if the next feed is more than two hours after application. (If you do rinse your nipples prior to nursing, rinse gently and do not use soap which might be irritating.)

It should not be necessary to wean your baby from your breast because you have nipple eczema. The breastfeeding relationship is very important to you and your young baby. You need to find a Health Care Provider who will work along with you so that you can get the treatment you need while continuing to breastfeed.

While it is important to minimize the amount of steroid cream your baby might ingest, Dr. Lisa Amir states in Eczema of the Nipple and Breast: A Case Report, Journal of Human Lactation, 1993, "Potent topical steroids are safe for short-term treatment ... careful use of steroid preparations for 10 days should not present a danger to the infant ... A mild steroid (hydrocortisone) may be applied if symptoms return."

If your symptoms do not resolve with this treatment it is important to be reevaluated to rule out any underlying medical condition. Very best wishes for pain-free nursing!