Nipple pain and/or damage ranks in the first two or three reasons for the early discontinuation of breastfeeding. Discovering and correcting the underlying cause of the pain is certainly the primary goal of treatment. But it is also crucial to manage the pain from feed to feed and expediting healing should be a priority. When sore nipples are not attended to quickly, tissue breakdown can progress rapidly and in some cases nipple injury can be extensive. Nipple cracks and fissures can allow bacteria to enter the breast, often resulting in mastitis, thrush and breast abscesses, the presence of which can further delay healing. 

The most effective method of wound healing is known as Moist wound healing.  The principles of moist wound healing entail keeping damaged skin moist (but not wet) enabling better growth and migration of new cells (re-epithelialization) across the traumatised surface. A moist environment has been proven to facilitate the healing process of a wound by preventing tissue dehydration and cell death, accelerating the development of new blood vessels and collagen synthesis, together with increased breakdown of dead tissue and fibrin. Moist wound healing eliminates scab formation and encourages re-epithelialization up to 50% faster. This improves the aesthetics of the wound, while significantly decreasing pain. The many benefits of moist wound healing are as follows:

• Faster wound healing
• Promote epithelialisation rate
• Promote dermal/wound bed healing responses
• Reduced scarring
• Retention of growth factors to wound site
• Lower infection rates
• Reduced pain perception
• Reduced inflammation as well as higher quality in the newly regenerated epidermis
• Enhanced autolytic debridement

The moisture barrier may be an emollient, occlusive or semi-occlusive dressing, but does not include oil or petroleum products. Purified Lanolin is recommended to promote moist wound healing for Stage 1 (superficial trauma, no broken skin) and Stage 2 (superficial with some tissue breakdown) nipple trauma. It can also be used early on in breastfeeding to prevent cracks or damage from occurring due to excessive friction. 

The moist dermal environment created by the use of lanolin prevents scab formation, promotes epithelial regrowth and decreases nipple pain. Lanolin is proven to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, skin-protecting and barrier repair properties. 

 

• COSMOS NATURAL certified by ECOCERT Greenlife according to COSMOS standard
• Approved by Beauty Without Cruelty
• Made in South Africa
• Specifically for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Clinically and Dermatologically certified
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Hypoallergenic
• No preservatives, additives and artificial ingredients
• No need to remove before breastfeeding
• Ease to apply
• Tasteless
• Suitable for Vegetarians
• Complies with the EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009

The semi-occlusive and emollient effect of lanolin:

• Repair: Long-lasting improvement of the skin barrier function.
• Replenish: Supplement essential skin lipids and reduce transepidermal water loss.
• Protect: A moisture barrier prevents further cracks from forming and protect against microbial infection. 

  https://mrsmilk.co.za/collections/natralogic