Milk blisters hurt primarily because they are caused by a blockage that leads to milk backing up within the breast duct.
A milk blister, also known as a blocked nipple pore, occurs when a tiny bit of skin overgrows and clogs a milk duct opening causing milk to back up. This backup of milk behind the blockage creates pressure and inflammation, which is the source of the pain.
Understanding the Cause of Milk Blister Pain
The pain associated with a milk blister is a direct result of the mechanical obstruction and the subsequent milk buildup. Think of it like a traffic jam in a milk duct – the milk can't flow out, and the increasing volume behind the blockage causes discomfort.
Key factors from the reference explaining the pain:
- The Clog: A tiny piece of skin overgrows and blocks the opening of a milk duct on the nipple.
- Milk Backup: This clog prevents milk from exiting, leading to milk accumulating within the duct behind the blockage.
- Pressure and Pain: The trapped milk creates pressure inside the duct, resulting in pain often felt directly at the blister site and just behind it.
Milk blisters typically appear as a painful white, clear, or yellow dot on the nipple or areola. The pain is often described as sharp or burning, especially during or after breastfeeding or pumping.
Relief for Milk Blister Pain
While addressing the underlying cause (the blockage) is key to long-term relief, temporary measures can help manage the pain:
- Applying moist heat before feeding/pumping.
- Soaking the nipple in warm water or a saline solution.
- Gently massaging the breast towards the nipple before and during feeding/pumping.
- Seeking guidance from a lactation consultant for strategies to clear the blockage.
Understanding that the pain stems from the milk backup caused by the clog is crucial for effective management and relief.
