Aloe Vera

[csweenlis]

I have a mother who is using fresh Aloe Vera juice on her sore nipples, as nothing else has helped, including all-purpose nipple ointment with steroid, anti-fingal and anti-bacterial. She says it is helping. Should she wash it off before BF, or not worry about it. her twins are former 27 weekers now 2+ months of age.
Thanks for your help!
Carol, RN, IBCLC

[admin]

Aloe Vera on nipples

I would urge caution in using aloe vera on the nipples of a breastfeeding woman. First because it has so many different pharmaceuticals in it, such as Aloe latex, a bitter yellow product derived from the outer skin, which is a drastic cathartic and produces a strong purgative effect on the large intestine due to its anthraquinone barbaloin content. It would of course not be a problem if she washed it off prior to breastfeeding.

I would instead suggest a mild hyrodcortisone ointment (0.5 - 1%), or purified lanolin.

Regards

Tom Hale Ph.d.