Impetigo on the nipple

The affected skin may be sore, cracked, blistered, weepy, or covered with a yellow-brown crust. Impetigo can occur on the nipple, areola, or nearby breast skin, and touching or feeding contact may transfer bacteria.

Eczema, including Atopic Dermatitis, irritation from pads or products, thrush, and other breast conditions can look similar. A clinician should examine persistent crusting, discharge, or a change centred on the nipple rather than assuming every rash is impetigo.

Contact a clinician promptly, especially if you are breastfeeding, expressing milk, pregnant, or caring for a newborn. Treatment may involve Topical Antibiotic Therapy or Antibiotics For Skin Infection, with the choice guided by the site and feeding plans.

Wash hands before and after touching the area, avoid picking, and use clean disposable or freshly washed coverings for drainage. Do not apply leftover creams or share towels. Ask specifically whether medicine should be removed before feeding and whether expressed milk or feeding from the affected side needs temporary adjustment.

Seek prompt medical care for increasing breast redness, warmth, swelling, deep pain, pus, fever, or feeling unwell. Urgent review is needed if redness spreads quickly, the breast becomes markedly swollen, or a baby has had direct contact with draining sores and seems unwell. Persistent nipple crusting or bleeding also deserves assessment.

Ask whether feeding can continue safely, how to clean and cover the area, which treatment is suitable during lactation, and whether the baby or close contacts need checking.