These may occur due to injury to the nipple during lactation. The baby’s gums may cause erosions on the nipples causing severe pain to the mother whilst feeding. They are also the forerunners of acute infective mastitis. It is best to prevent cracking of nipples by anointing them with a protective lanolin cream after every feed and cleaning thoroughly before every feed.

If very severe, a nipple shield may be used or milk may be extracted by a breast pump for some time to allow the nipple to rest and rejuvenate.