Hi there
It sounds as if you have a plugged duct on the nipple, sometimes known as a bleb. It's not really known was causes them, but it is effectively a plugged milk duct with the entrance on the nipple. They don't require any treatment and eventually go away on their own, however if like yours it is painful, there are a few things you can try.
1. Dip a cotton wool pad in vinegar and wear it inside your bra. This can help reduce the size of the bleb by drying it up.
2. Dip a cotton wool pad in olive oil and wear it inside your bra to soften the skin over and around the bleb. You can also use a heat pad of some kind (such as a wheat bag) over your bra and nipple before feeding and gently massage around the bleb during and after feeding to free the blocked milk.
If neither of these works you can try piercing the skin with a sterilsed needle (sterilise it using a flame) and then try the massage. The skin directly over the bleb will not be sensitive so it shouldn't hurt.
Hope this helps. If you have any more questions please email
[email protected] or go to our web page
www.lllhk.org for the contact numbers of Leaders for more personal support (it's free)
Caroline
La Leche League Hong Kong.