A nipple fissure is a small split or tear in the nipple skin most commonly caused by a shallow latch or incorrect pump flange sizing. Most shallow fissures improve within 2–4 days with latch correction, moist wound healing, and between-feed friction protection. Pain that persists beyond 48–72 hours of home care needs an IBCLC or provider assessment.
What nipple fissures are and how to tell them apart from normal early breastfeeding soreness, the three main causes — shallow latch, pump trauma, and skin conditions — step-by-step home care including moist wound healing, how protective accessories like silver nursing cups shield damaged skin between feeds, when to seek help from an IBCLC or your healthcare provider, and how to prevent fissures from recurring once they heal.
Nipple fissure pain can turn what is supposed to be a bonding moment into a toe-curling challenge. Many new mothers dread the next feed, bracing through every latch. But you do not have to power through it — understanding the cause and getting the right support makes a real difference.
A nipple fissure is a small split or tear in the nipple skin, most commonly caused by friction from a shallow latch or incorrect pump flange sizing. They are one of the most common reasons mothers stop breastfeeding early — but with proper care, most shallow fissures improve within days. This guide covers what causes them, how to care for them at home, when to seek help, and how to prevent them from coming back.
What Are Nipple Fissures?
Nipple fissures are visible splits or tears in the skin of the nipple or areola that most commonly develop from repeated friction during breastfeeding — especially when the baby's latch is shallow. They can also result from pumping with excessive suction or an incorrectly sized flange, or from skin drying out due to soaps or clothing friction. You might notice flaky, crusty skin, visible scabs, or a clear split on the nipple surface.
They typically sting sharply during a feed and can throb afterward. The Mayo Clinic provides detailed resources on breastfeeding-related skin concerns. For a comprehensive approach to nipple care during breastfeeding, see our cracked nipples treatment guide.
Normal Sensitivity
Mild discomfort during the first 30 seconds of latch that fades as the feed continues. Nipples may look pink but skin is intact — no visible cracks, scabs, or bleeding.
Nipple Fissure Signs
Sharp, stabbing pain throughout the entire feed. Visible cracks, scabs, or blisters on the skin. Bleeding or oozing after nursing or pumping.
Infection Warning
Increasing swelling, spreading redness, warm skin, pus or yellow crusting, flu-like symptoms. These may indicate mastitis or a deeper infection requiring medical treatment.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Nipple fissures develop from four primary causes — each with a different treatment path. Identifying which one is causing your injury determines what intervention will actually work.
Shallow Latch
Most common cause. Baby suckles on the nipple tip instead of taking a wide mouthful of areola. Repeated short feeds with a poor latch create cumulative friction damage.
Tongue-tie prevents the baby from flanging the lower lip outward, making a deep latch difficult. See our positioning and latch guide.
Pump Trauma
Flange size too small or suction set too high. Both create concentrated friction on nipple skin that causes fissures even without a baby latching at all.
Engorgement makes the breast firmer, which can cause babies to clamp down harder. For pump guidance, see our best breast pumps guide.
Infection & Skin Conditions
Thrush (yeast): Burning pain, shiny or flaky skin — can pass between mother and baby. Bacterial infection: Deep redness, heat, pus or yellow crusting. Dermatitis: Allergic reaction to soaps, lotions, or laundry detergent.
Nipple Fissures from Pumping
Pumping-related fissures are specifically caused by incorrect flange sizing (too narrow concentrates pressure on the nipple shaft) or suction set too high. If you notice fissures developing after pump sessions rather than direct breastfeeding, the first step is a flange fitting. An IBCLC or the pump manufacturer can help you measure correctly.
Nipple Fissures Not Related to Breastfeeding
Nipple fissures are not exclusive to breastfeeding. Friction from clothing during running or cycling is a common cause. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can also thin nipple skin — making it more vulnerable to cracking before breastfeeding even begins. Active mothers should choose soft, well-fitting sports bras and moisture-wicking fabrics.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional help from an IBCLC or healthcare provider is needed when pain prevents breastfeeding, fissures do not improve within 48–72 hours of proper home care, or any signs of infection appear. Do not wait too long — early intervention is almost always faster, less painful, and less expensive than hoping things resolve on their own.
- Pain prevents you from breastfeeding or is severe enough to make you dread feeds
- A fissure does not show improvement within 48 to 72 hours of proper at-home care
- You notice heavy bleeding (more than a trace of blood)
- There is spreading redness, warmth, pus, or yellow crusting around the nipple
- You develop a fever or flu-like symptoms (potential mastitis)
- Your baby has white patches in their mouth (oral thrush — can transfer to your nipple)
The La Leche League directory can help you find a certified consultant in your area.
Home Care and Relief
For mild to moderate fissures where infection is not present, consistent at-home care can promote healing while you continue breastfeeding. The goal is to reduce friction, keep the skin moist, and prevent bacterial contamination.
Clean Gently
Wash with warm water only — skip harsh soaps that strip natural oils. After feeding, express a few drops of breast milk onto the nipple and let them air dry. Breast milk contains immunoglobulin A and growth factors that support skin recovery.
Warm Compress Before Feeds
Apply a warm, damp cloth for 5 to 10 minutes before nursing to improve blood flow and soften the tissue. This makes the latch less painful and encourages let-down so the feed is more efficient.
Vary Feeding Positions
Rotating between cradle, cross-cradle, football, and laid-back positions distributes pressure across different areas of the nipple. This prevents one spot from taking all the friction at every feed.
Comparing Protective Products
Between feeds, protecting the damaged nipple from friction and clothing contact is essential to allow healing. Three options offer different trade-offs between cost, convenience, and mechanism.
Creams & Balms
Provides a temporary moisture barrier. Can be messy and may stain clothing. Must be reapplied after every feed. Lanolin-based or medical-grade nipple creams are the most common options.
Silver Nursing Cups
Physical barrier against friction and clothing contact. Silver has been valued for centuries for its natural properties in wound care contexts. Supports moist wound healing with breast milk — no cream reapplication needed.
Express 1–2 drops of breast milk into each cup before placing. No creams, balms, or oils inside the dome. Remove before every feed.
Hydrogel Pads
Provides instant cooling relief for acute pain. Good for severe acute damage in the first days. Single-use — generates ongoing cost and waste. Best as a short-term option rather than a long-term solution.
Silver nursing cups are a supportive care accessory, not a replacement for medical treatment. If you suspect infection (redness, warmth, pus, fever), see your healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment first.
Go Mommy® Silver Nursing Cups — Between-Feed Nipple Protection
$46.99 $52.99925 Sterling · 999 Pure Solid · 999 Trilaminate — Regular (~4.5 cm) and XL (~5.2 cm). Choose based on areola diameter, not bra size. HSA/FSA eligible · 90-day money-back guarantee.
Shop Silver Cups — 20% OFFGo Mommy LLC manufactures and sells silver nursing cups referenced in this article. This guide provides educational information based on published clinical guidance from the AAP, LLLI, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic. Silver cups are a supportive between-feed accessory — not a treatment for infection. If you suspect infection, seek professional medical assessment.
Preventing Recurrence
Once a fissure heals, preventing recurrence means addressing the original cause and maintaining consistent protective habits — beginning with latch correction, which remains the single most effective prevention step.
Fix the Latch
Aim for a deep, asymmetric latch where the baby takes in more areola below the nipple than above. Wait for a wide-open mouth before bringing baby to the breast. Aim the nipple toward the roof of baby's mouth. Listen for rhythmic swallowing sounds.
See our positioning and latch guide for visual instruction.
Right Fabrics & Bras
Soft, breathable cotton reduces friction against healing skin. Wire-free nursing bras prevent duct compression. Avoid plastic-backed nursing pads — they trap moisture against the skin, weakening tissue over time.
Correct Pump Fit
If you pump regularly, ensure your flange is the correct diameter. A too-small flange concentrates friction on the nipple shaft. Most manufacturers provide sizing guides — or an IBCLC can measure for you.
For sizing help, see our measurement guide.
Go Mommy® Silver Nursing Cups
$46.99 $52.99925 Sterling · 999 Pure · 999 Trilaminate. Regular and XL. Between every feed — express 1–2 drops of breast milk into the dome. No creams inside. HSA/FSA eligible · 90-day guarantee.
Shop Silver Cups — 20% OFF📋 Editorial Note
Last reviewed: April 2026
Authored by: Go Mommy Editorial Team — the editorial arm of Go Mommy LLC, manufacturer of silver nursing cups. Our team combines manufacturing expertise with clinical literature review.
Editorial standards: Go Mommy content is developed by our editorial team and verified against peer-reviewed guidance from the AAP, CDC, Mayo Clinic, and La Leche League International. This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.
Sources: AAP · LLLI · Cleveland Clinic · Mayo Clinic · NCBI
Related guides:
- Cracked Nipples Treatment Guide
- Breastfeeding Positions and Latch Guide
- How to Use Silver Nursing Cups
- How to Clean Silver Nursing Cups
- Silver Cup Sizing Guide
- Mastitis Guide
- Thrush on Nipple Guide
- Best Breast Pumps 2026
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your provider for personal medical decisions.
🎯 Key takeaways
- ✓A nipple fissure is a skin injury caused most commonly by a shallow latch — correcting the latch is the single most effective intervention.
- ✓Most shallow fissures improve within 2–4 days and heal fully in about a week with proper moist wound care and friction protection between feeds.
- ✓If pain has not improved within 48–72 hours of home care, or signs of infection appear (redness, heat, fever, pus), see an IBCLC or provider promptly.
- ✓Pump-related fissures are usually caused by incorrect flange sizing — a flange fitting from an IBCLC resolves most pumping-specific nipple injuries.
- ✓Silver nursing cups protect damaged skin between feeds by creating a non-occlusive dome barrier — they complement healing; they do not treat infection.
- ✓Get an IBCLC latch assessment — a single session identifies the root cause faster than trial and error and prevents fissures from recurring.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nipple Fissures
How long does it take for a nipple fissure to heal?
A nipple fissure is a skin injury that typically improves within 2 to 4 days with proper care and heals fully in about a week. Deeper fissures may take longer. Protecting the area from friction between feeds supports faster recovery.
Can I continue breastfeeding with a nipple fissure?
Yes — most lactation consultants recommend continuing. Feed from the less-injured side first to stimulate let-down, then switch. If pain is too severe to nurse, pump temporarily to give the skin time to rest. Consult an IBCLC for personalized guidance.
Are silver nursing cups safe to use on cracked skin?
Silver nursing cups are generally considered safe for cracked nipple skin as a between-feed protective barrier. Solid silver has a long history of use in wound care contexts. If you suspect an active infection, consult your provider first before using any at-home product.
What is the difference between a fissure and regular soreness?
A nipple fissure is a visible split or crack causing sharp, stinging pain that persists throughout the entire feed and sometimes afterward. Regular soreness is general tenderness that fades during the feed. Pain not improving by 30 seconds into latch signals a structural issue.
Do I need nipple cream if I use silver cups?
Generally not. Silver cups work with a thin layer of your own breast milk on the skin, which supports moist wound healing. Adding thick cream may interfere with contact. If you prefer cream, use it separately and allow it to absorb before placing the cups.
Why do my nipples crack even if the latch seems good?
Several factors beyond latch can contribute — excessive pump suction, incorrect flange size, undiagnosed tongue-tie, or skin conditions like eczema or thrush. Moisture trapped by plastic-backed pads can also weaken tissue over time and cause fissures independently of latch.
Can I use HSA/FSA funds for silver nursing cups?
Some families have successfully used HSA or FSA funds with a Letter of Medical Necessity from their doctor or midwife. Eligibility varies by plan — verify with your specific administrator before purchasing. Silver nursing cups are HSA/FSA eligible as a lactation aid.
Does the size of the silver cup matter for healing fissures?
Yes. A cup that is too small may press onto the fissure, restricting blood flow and increasing discomfort. Choose based on areola diameter, not bra cup size. See our measurement guide for exact sizing instructions.
How do I clean my silver cups if I have a fissure?
Wash daily with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. For tarnish, make a paste with baking soda and water, rub gently, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely. See our full cleaning guide for the complete protocol.