Painful red dot on nipple - what is it?

[ElsMom]

Yesterday I developed a really sore nipple, and today it's much worse.  There's a tiny red dot on the underside of my nipple, and that's where the pain is worst.  I've had mastitis before, and this doesn't feel like that.  When DD is nursing, it feels like she's biting down, but she's not.  The only thing I can think of is that DD did bite me a couple of days ago, and maybe it broke the skin a bit and got infected?  Is there anything I can do?  Does this sound familiar to anyone? 

Thanks so much!

[oilerbaby]

I have no insight as to what it might be but I would suggest getting it checked by your doc just to be safe. 

[EllenS]

Is your lo teething?  I sometimes get a friction point when she is cutting a new tooth and it messes up her latch.  Try nursing in a different position, applying fresh breastmilk and let it air dry, then seal it up with lanolin.  And yes, if it lasts more than a day or so, get it checked.

Occasionally when it has gotten really bad, I have just nursed her on the other side and pumped the sore side for a feeding or two, to give it a break.

[isaac'smom]

I had one of these spots a couple of months ago and it healed up quickly after putting lanolin on it a couple of times. I know how painful it can be. I was dreading each feeding! I would get it checked out if it persists though.

[lyndsy_p]

Here's a link to my thread a few months ago. I had the same thing....

https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=111271.msg1141092#msg1141092

HTH
Lyndsy

[ElsMom]

Thanks, ladies.  It just hurts so badly!  I'll go to the doc Monday if it persists, and will do the lanolin until then.  BTW, I've tried three different positions - all are equally painful.  No one said motherhood would be easy!

[ElsMom]

I just wanted to add an update in case anyone with a similar problem finds this thread.  It's been a week since the pain started, and it's almost healed now.  I found some info on kellymom.com that suggested that it was from a bite.  It said to soak in salt water for 1 minute after each feeding, then cover with ebm and let air dry, then cover with lanolin, and to wear loose fitting shirts with no bra when possible.  I did that Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, and by Tuesday morning it was much better.  I was also applying antibiotic ointment (neosporin) at night after the DF and wiping it off before her first morning feed.  Today (Thursday) it's almost completely healed, but still hurts a bit when she's nursing. 

Thanks for all your help!!

[Samuel's mum]

Thanks Lisa. That's really valuable. Glad it feels better.