What is a Milk Blister?

Most breastfeeding mothers are familiar with the signs and symptoms of plugged milk ducts and mastitis. The term Milk Blister or Nipple Blister is less common but just as painful and sometimes unrecognized until it becomes very painful.

What this term refers to is a blocked milk duct opening usually obstructed by a very small overgrowth of skin. Milk builds up behind it and yet can’t escape and the blister is normally clear, white or yellow. This is not the same as a red blister or brown on the nipples that is usually caused by friction of an improper latch on, a badly fitting nipple shield or breast pump.

The layer of skin overgrowing and obstructing the nipple may pop when baby is nursing, or with the use of a breast pump and causes of nipple blisters seem to be similar to causes of mastitis and plugged ducts in general.

The reason these nipple blisters is painful is due to the body’s natural response – inflammation. If you have several milk blisters at the same time and the spots are white then it could be thrush overgrowth blocking the nipples.

There are some things you should do to help the situation and milk blisters. The first would of course be to examine the possible causes. Latch on, properly fitted nursing bras, breast pumps of good quality with properly fitting shields etc. You want to eliminate any possible causes and try and diminish the chances of a recurrence.

The first step would be to apply moist heat to the nipple blister because moist heat opens up pores.
Second is to remove the skin overgrowth from the area. This usually can be done by scraping lightly with your finger over the overgrowth or hand expression.

Be sure and nurse or pump from the side that is has the milk blister directly after using the moist heat.
Also lanolin to help the skin heal is helpful.

If you have determined the cause of the milk blister it can be treated in a few days usually and often may not reoccur.

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