How To

How to Get Rid of a Milk Blister

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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A milk blister, sometimes called a "bleb," is a nipple pore overgrown with skin. As a result, milk backs up behind the blocked pore. It is often white, clear or yellow and can be extremely painful for the breastfeeding mother. There are a variety of causes for milk blisters including oversupply, latch problems, pressure and thrush (yeast infection). Just as there are a variety of causes, there are remedies to get rid of milk blisters.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Apply moist heat before breastfeeding. Stand in a hot shower or use a moist heat compress on the blister for 15 to 20 minutes before nursing.
Step 2

Massage the breast to clear out the milk duct. You may see a string of hardened milk come out—somewhat like thin spaghetti.
Step 3

Nurse often on the affected side.
Step 4

Use a hospital grade breast pump after breastfeeding.

Tips & Warnings

Clear the skin from the milk duct/nipple pore if the steps above do not help. Gently scrape the head of the blister with a moist washcloth or with your fingernail.
Take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to relieve discomfort.
Try lecithin supplements to prevent milk blisters and plugged milk ducts. (See "How to Get Rid of a Plugged Milk Duct," under Related eHows.)
A white spot on the nipple can also be caused by an obstructed milk duct rather than skin overgrown on the nipple pore. Reducing saturated fats can help prevent these types of blockages.
Call a lactation consultant for support and guidance during this challenging time. Log on to the International Lactation Consultant Association and "Click" on "Find a Lactation Consultant." See Additonal Resource section.
Call your doctor if you think he should remove it. He can use a sterile needle to lift away the skin and get the milk flowing again. If you experience any fever, inflammation, swelling or pus, call your doctor immediately.