Photo Gallery: Identifying the Appearance of Nipple Cracks

Photo 1: Mild Nipple Crack or Chapping

In this image, we observe a superficial fissure, similar to a small cut or chapping on the nipple. The color is often pinkish or bright red. Pain is typically sharp at the beginning of a feeding but may subside afterward. This is the first stage, a signal that the baby’s latch needs to be adjusted quickly to prevent the lesion from worsening.

Photo 2: Deep and/or Bleeding Nipple Crack

This photo shows a more severe lesion, a clean cut that may ooze or bleed. The pain is often constant and unbearable. Such an injury is an entry point for infections. It is crucial to act quickly with appropriate care. For more information on related issues, you can read about white nipples while breastfeeding.

The Stages of Nipple Cracks: From Irritation to Fissure

The first stage is often a simple irritation. The nipple appears red, sensitive, or even slightly swollen after feeding. Pain is present but may be bearable. At this stage, there is no open wound yet, but it’s a crucial warning sign indicating a positioning or latch issue that needs immediate correction to prevent worsening.

Without intervention, irritation progresses to a superficial fissure. A small cut, similar to chapped skin, becomes visible on the tip or base of the nipple. The pain becomes sharper and more acute, especially at the beginning of a feeding. This stage requires local care and a quick correction of the latch to allow healing and prevent the situation from escalating.

The most advanced stage is a deep, bleeding crack. The fissure widens, deepens, and may bleed, making breastfeeding extremely painful. The risk of infection is then higher. Understanding the different stages of nipple damage can help you identify the problem early and seek appropriate support. For more information on related issues, you can read about white nipple breastfeeding.

Visual Comparative Table of Nipple Crack Stages

Nipple Crack Stage	Image Description	Associated Symptoms
Stage 1: Irritation	The nipple is bright red, shiny, with very thin skin, like a scratch or a slight burn. No visible cut.	Sharp pain at the beginning of feeding that then subsides. Sensitivity to clothing contact.
Stage 2: Superficial Fissure	One or more small cuts appear, often at the junction of the nipple and areola. The fissure is clear but not deep.	Intense and persistent pain during much of the feeding. A “stabbing” sensation.
Stage 3: Deep Fissure	The cut is deep, open, with clearly visible edges. Scabs may form, and slight bleeding while breastfeeding is possible.	Extreme pain, making feeding unbearable. Apprehension before putting the baby to the breast.
Stage 4: Infected Crack	The fissure shows signs of infection: yellowish or greenish discharge, pus, extended redness, and warmth around the areola.	Pulsating pain even between feedings, intense burning sensation, possible fever and chills. Urgent medical consultation.

Causes of Nipple Cracks: Poor Latch is Often the Origin

The primary cause of nipple cracks is a poor latch. If the baby doesn’t take enough of the areola, they pinch and rub the nipple. This repeated friction creates painful lesions. Visually, a poor latch is evident by pursed lips and a chin far from the breast. A good position is therefore crucial for prevention and healing.

Conversely, a correct latch shows a wide-open mouth and flanged lips. Sometimes, the problem is anatomical. A restrictive tongue tie, for example, can prevent adequate suction and cause nipple cracks. Careful observation is key to diagnosis to find the right solution.

Cracked Nipples or Something Else? Learning to Tell the Difference

Intense pain, like needles in the breast, can signal thrush (mammary candidiasis). Visually, the nipple may appear bright pink, shiny, and sometimes flaky. Unlike a crack, the pain often persists after feeding. Also, check your baby’s mouth for white patches (oral thrush), a common sign of a shared infection. A medical diagnosis is essential for appropriate antifungal treatment for both of you.

Nipple eczema manifests as intense itching, dry skin, and redness. You might see small blisters or weeping patches that form scabs. The appearance is often more diffuse than a clear fissure from a crack. If you have a history of eczema, the risk is higher. A consultation is necessary to get a corticosteroid cream compatible with breastfeeding and rule out other diagnoses.

Vasospasm causes sharp, burning pain during or after feeding. The nipple suddenly turns white, then may turn blue or red as it warms up. This phenomenon is due to poor blood circulation, often triggered by cold or a poor latch. Applying dry heat immediately after feeding can effectively relieve the pain. For more information, consult our guide on white nipples while breastfeeding.

Moms’ Stories: They Describe Their Nipple Cracks and Solutions

Review by: Chloé

“At first, it was just a red line on the nipple, which quickly turned into a deep, very painful cut, especially when latching. Lanolin cream and breast milk compresses helped a lot. I also corrected the position with a consultant; that was key.”

Review by: Sophie

“For me, it looked like chapped lips, but on the nipple. It was dry and bled a little after each feeding. The pain was excruciating. My midwife suspected a tongue tie in my baby. After a small procedure, the suction improved, and my nipple cracks were finally able to heal!”

Review by: Manon

“I had several small fissures on the tip of the nipple, like razor cuts. Sometimes, a yellowish crust would form. I used silicone nipple shields for a few days to let my nipples rest. In parallel, applying my own milk and air-drying were magical.”

Nipple Crack Care and Prevention: Illustrated Steps

Prevention is key. A good latch is fundamental to avoid cracked nipples. Observe comparative photos: the baby’s mouth should be wide open, encompassing a large part of the areola, not just the nipple. If pain persists despite what seems like a correct position, a restrictive tongue tie might be the cause. Early adjustment makes all the difference.

For care, applying a purified lanolin-based cream after each feeding can greatly aid healing. As the image shows, a small amount is sufficient. Apply it gently to the nipple and areola. It’s also beneficial to let your breasts air dry for a few minutes. This simple step promotes healing and prevents maceration.

Using breast shells is a valuable aid. They protect irritated nipples from clothing friction, as illustrated in the photo. By creating an airy space, they promote healing and can collect small milk leaks. Choose models with ventilation holes to avoid an overly humid environment, which could slow down recovery.

Frequent Questions About the Appearance of Nipple Cracks

What does an infected nipple crack look like?

An infected nipple crack shows distinct visual signs that should raise concern. Beyond the fissure itself, you might observe intense and widespread redness around the nipple, swelling of the areola, and sometimes a yellowish or greenish pus discharge. The area may feel abnormally warm to the touch. The pain, instead of subsiding after feeding, often becomes pulsating and constant. Fever or chills can also accompany this bacterial superinfection.

Are my nipple cracks serious?

The severity of a nipple crack is assessed by its depth, the pain it causes, and its impact on breastfeeding. Simple irritation is already a warning sign. A crack is considered severe if it is deep, very wide, or bleeds heavily with each feeding. Slight bleeding during breastfeeding can occur, but if it persists or if the pain makes you dread nursing, it is crucial to act. Lack of improvement despite care is also a sign of severity.

Can a nipple crack look like a white spot?

No, their appearance is very different. A nipple crack is a fissure or a cut in the skin of the nipple, a linear lesion often pinkish or red. A white spot, on the other hand, is typically a clogged milk duct. Visually, it appears as a small blister or a white vesicle on the tip of the nipple, caused by thickened milk obstructing a pore. While both can be painful, their appearance and cause should not be confused.

When should I show my nipple cracks to a doctor?

It is imperative to consult a healthcare professional (doctor, midwife, lactation consultant) if you observe signs of infection (pus, fever, widespread redness). Also consult if the pain is unbearable, if the crack shows no improvement after 48 hours of attentive care (correcting latch, applying lanolin, etc.), or if it appears to be widening or deepening. Medical advice is essential to obtain appropriate treatment and preserve your breastfeeding journey.