Sore Nipples and Mastitis.

In the treatment of sore nipples, nipples fissured or tender, or those which are apt to induce mastitis, I have been in the habit of using almost routine treatment, a formula which is made of

Mix. Sig. Saturate with this a piece of sterilized gauze, and apply it to the nipples for half an hour three or four times a day. When removing the gauze, sponge the nipples with sterilized water and apply on lint an ointment of petroleum and subnitrate of bismuth. This can be wiped off each time before nursing the child. This course has been successful in preventing or curing every case of sore nipples in which I have used it.

In those cases where the breasts threaten to become inflamed, instruct the nurse to begin early and massage the breast with warm olive oil, beginning at the base and rub with considerable firmness directly toward the nipple. This might be done once in a couple of hours. Any extreme fullness of the breast should be prevented by the use of the breast pump when the child does not nurse.

Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 2, 1908, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.