Babies Breastfeeding Challenges Blisters on the Breasts and Nipples Types, Causes, Treatments, and Safety By Donna Murray, RN, BSN facebook twitter Donna Murray, RN, BSN has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing Honor Society. Learn about our editorial process Donna Murray, RN, BSN Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Meredith Shur, MD on April 20, 2020 Meredith Shur, MD, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as a certified medical examiner. Learn about our Review Board Meredith Shur, MD on April 20, 2020 Print Mayte Torres / Getty Images Blisters are small fluid-filled sacs that usually form under the outer layer of skin in response to an injury. Most blisters are filled with clear fluid but may be filled with blood (blood blisters) or pus if they become infected. Blisters can appear anywhere on the body, including your hands, feet, and even your breast. If you get a blister on your breast or nipple, it can be painful and interfere with breastfeeding. Depending on the type of blister, you may even have to stop breastfeeding for a while. Here is what you need to know about the types of blisters that can show up on your nipples, areola, and the skin around the breasts. Causes Blisters on the breast can develop for many reasons. Some blisters are from breastfeeding, while others have nothing to do with breastfeeding at all. The common causes of breast blisters are: A blockage at the end of a milk ductAn allergic reactionA virusIrritation from rubbing or pressure against your skin Friction Blister Friction blisters are a common problem for breastfeeding moms. A friction blister forms when there is constant rubbing or pressure on the same spot on the skin. When you're breastfeeding, friction blisters can pop up on your breasts, nipples, or areola. Clear fluid or blood can fill a friction blister. If the fluid is bloody, it is sometimes called a blood blister. Possible causes for friction blisters on nipples include: A poor latch. When your baby is not latched on to your breast correctly, it can cause damage to your breast tissue, areola, and nipple. A poor latch can also cause friction blisters to appear on your baby's lips.Incorrect use of a breast pump. The improper use of a breast pump can cause irritation and damage to your breasts. When the pump flanges (shields) do not fit you well, or the suction of the pump is set too high, blisters can form.A poor-fitting nipple shield or breast shell. You can get blisters if you use breast shells or nipple shields that constantly rub against your nipple, areola, or the skin on your breast.Improperly fitting nursing bra. If your bra is too big it could rub against your skin. If it's too tight, it could put excessive pressure on your breast tissue. Both of these situations can lead to blisters. If you have a friction blister on your breast, you can continue to breastfeed. It may be painful for you, but a friction blister will not cause harm to your baby. However, if the blister breaks open and the fluid leaks out while you're nursing, it could change the flavor of your breast milk. Your baby may stop breastfeeding if he doesn't like the taste. 10 Tips for Breastfeeding With a Breast or Nipple Blister Milk Blister A milk blister or nipple bleb is a small white or yellow spot on the nipple that blocks the end of the milk duct. It looks like a whitehead pimple. Some women are not bothered by the small blister, but for others, it can be very painful. Milk blisters often go away on their own. Here are some ways to relieve pain and heal more quickly: Breastfeed often to keep the milk flowing.Rub the surface of your nipple to release the blister.Use a warm compress on the nipple right before breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if your milk bleb is painful or doesn't go away on its own. Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause an allergic reaction on your skin if you touch them. The reaction can lead to an itchy, red rash with raised fluid-filled blisters. If you get this type of blistery rash on your breasts: You should not breastfeedYou can pump and give the baby your breast milk in a bottle while you have the rashYou can begin breastfeeding again once the blisters have healed Poison Ivy Remedies Herpes Simplex Virus Active herpes lesions on your breasts can look like small red bumps, fluid-filled blisters, or open sores. They may be itchy or painful. Herpes is dangerous, and even deadly, to infants. Because it can pass to your child through contact with the blisters or sores, you should not breastfeed with active herpes lesions on your breasts. If you think you have herpes you should see your doctor immediately to receive treatment. You should only resume breastfeeding after your lesions dry up and heal and your doctor has given you the thumbs up. In the meantime, you can pump and dump your breast milk to keep up your milk supply. What Are the Effects of Herpes on Pregnancy? Chickenpox Chickenpox (Varicella) is a highly contagious infection that can be spread through the air or by contact. Due to vaccinations and previous childhood immunity, adults in the United States do not often suffer from chickenpox infections. If, however, you do come down with chickenpox while you're breastfeeding, you can usually continue to nurse your child. By the time you notice the blistery rash, your child would have already been exposed to the virus. If your health care team determines that you need to stay away from your child while you're contagious, you should still be able to pump your breast milk for your baby. A Word From Verywell If you get a blister when you're breastfeeding, it can be painful. It can also make you worry about whether or not it's safe to continue to breastfeed. Breast and nipple blisters from breastfeeding are usually friction blisters or a milk blisters, and not something to worry over. But, sometimes a virus or skin reaction can lead to blisters that you have to be more careful about with breastfeeding. When you have a better understanding of the causes and treatment of different types of blisters, you can try to prevent them. Then, if you do get one, you'll know what to do. If you have any questions about blisters, call or see your doctor. Your doctor can help you identify and treat the blister so you can get back to breastfeeding in safety and comfort. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Track your baby’s most exciting moments with our milestone checklist. Get it free when you sign up for our newsletter. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kent JC, Ashton E, Hardwick CM, et al. Nipple Pain in Breastfeeding Mothers: Incidence, Causes and Treatments. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015;12(10):12247-63. doi:10.3390/ijerph121012247 Toronto Public Health. Breastfeeding protocols for healthcare providers. Protocol #4: Sore nipples. Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding, A Guide for the Medical Profession. Philadelphia: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2015. Wambach K, Riordan J. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2016. Wambach K, Riordan J. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2016. Additional Reading Berens P, Eglash A, Malloy M, Steube AM, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol# 26: Persistent Pain With Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding Medicine. 2016 Mar 1;11(2):46-53. Heller MM, Fullerton‐Stone H, Murase JE. Caring for New Mothers: Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Nipple Dermatitis in Breastfeeding Mothers. International journal of dermatology. 2012 Oct 1;51(10):1149-61. Lawrence, Ruth A., MD, Lawrence, Robert M., MD. Breastfeeding A Guide For The Medical Profession Eighth Edition. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2015. Riordan, J., and Wambach, K. Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Fourth Edition. Jones and Bartlett Learning. 2014.