How to handle dry skin on breasts

Hi! I've always had dry skin-winter for me means cracked bleeding hands, a flaky scalp, and red scaly patches popping up on my trunk & limbs (& eyelids-ouch!). Now that my breasts are exposed so much, I'm getting the red patches all over my breasts including the areola. It's making nursing unpleasant at times & is itchy and occasionally painful. I've been to the dermatologist, who called it generalized dermatitis, which is basically meaningless other than confirming it's not thrush. She isn't used to working with breastfeeding moms and didn't have any suggestions other than cortisone cream, which I'm not confortable putting where my son will be putting his mouth. Do you have any ideas what I can do to keep it from getting worse, or of anything I can do to treat it that won't have a negative impact on my son?

Answer from the lactation consultant
Good for you for questioning the topical steroids. I would worry if you put it on the breasts it could reduce your supply. Not a high likelihood but still a possibility.

I have had moms with similar problems and have seen them find relief using coconut oil and olive oil. Both must be "extra virgin" organic quality. The kind you find at a health food store.

You might also look into finding a naturopath or herbalist in your area who can help you find the root cause. Many times dermatitis is allergy based or sometimes caused from the body not being able to remove toxins properly. Either way, it is worth investigating, in my opinion. Sometimes,Medical doctors don't always look for the cause, often they just treat the symptoms, unfortunately.

I hope this helps,
Liz

If you found this answer useful, please consider a donation to Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC. She will continue to make this a donation based service as long as people like you continue to donate. Thank you for your support.
Donation suggestion: $3 minimum.
donate here via paypal