Cracked nipple (nipple trauma or nipple fissure) is a condition that can occur in breastfeeding women as a result of a number of possible causes. Developing a cracked nipple can result in soreness, dryness or irritation to, or bleeding of, one or both nipples during breastfeeding. The mother with a cracked nipple can have severe nipple pain when the baby is nursing. This severe pain is a disincentive for continued breastfeeding. The crack can appear as a cut across the tip of the nipple and may extend to its base. Cracked nipple develop after the birth of the infant and is managed with pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment. Signs and symptoms
Cracked nipples are classified as a breast disorder. The nipple is not only the structure to deliver milk to the infant, it also contains small, sebaceous glands or Montgomery glands to lubricate the skin of the areola. Cracked nipples are most often associated with breastfeeding and appear as cracks or small lacerations or breaks in the skin of the nipple. In some instances an ulcer will form. The nipple in a nursing mother is in regular contact with a nursing infant. Cracked nipples are trauma to the nipple and can be quite painful. Cracked nipples typically appear three to seven days after the birth.If the nipples appears to be wedge-shaped, white and flattened, this may indicate that the latch is not good and there is a potential of developing cracked nipples. Complications
Bacteria can enter the breast through cracked nipples, which increase the risk of mastitis.
Bottle-feeding babies uses his or her tongue to regulate the flow of milk. This same technique will cause friction on the nipple while breastfeeding. This, in turn, encourages the continued use of the bottle with less time breastfeeding.Pain caused by cracked nipples can sometimes lead to the cessation of breast-feeding. In addition to cracks, blisters or ulcers can form. Prevention
The nipples of nursing mothers naturally make a lubricant to prevent drying, cracking, or infections. Cracked nipples may be able to be prevented by:

Avoid soaps and harsh washing or drying of the breasts and nipples. This can cause dryness and cracking. Rubbing a little breast milk on the nipple after feeding to protect it. Keeping the nipples dry to prevent cracking and infection. Using seashells to keep nipples healthy through continuous contact with breast milkRoman chamomile is sometimes used as a remedy in alternative medicine to treat cracked nipples by a topical application. However, there is no scientific evidence for its efficacy, and is in fact considered unsafe for use during pregnancy. Treatment
Cracked nipples can be treated with 100% lanolin. Glycerin nipple pads can be chilled and placed over the nipples to help soothe and heal cracked or painful nipples. If the cause of cracked nipples is from thrush, treatment is usually begun with nystatin. If the mother is symptomatic then the mother and the baby can be treated. Continuing to breastfeed will actually help the nipples heal. A little breast milk or purified lanolin cream or ointment helps the healing process.