“Bepanten” for nursing mothers: from application to the need to wash off

Because they come into constant contact with their infants, especially when breastfeeding, nursing moms frequently experience skin problems. A common ointment for soothing and healing cracked or irritated skin is called "Bepanten." It is very well-recommended due to its mild composition and efficiency.

But a lot of moms wonder if they should wash it off before nursing. At a time when caring for the mother and the baby is essential, this question may cause uncertainty and confusion.

This post will discuss how to use "Bepanten" correctly and if taking it off before feeding your child is necessary.

Features of the drug

"Bepanten" is produced by the pharmaceutical company "Bayer" in the form of two drugs. One of them is a medicinal cream, which has a lighter consistency, white color and rapid penetration into the skin. The second form of the drug is an ointment, which is characterized by greater viscosity and a yellowish tint. Both products are sold without a prescription in tubes of 30 and 100 grams and contain dexpanthenol as the main ingredient. The auxiliary substances in different types of "Bepanten" differ, but they are safe and cause allergies in isolated cases. After entering the skin cells, dexpanthenol becomes pantothenic acid, the second name of which is "vitamin B5". This vitamin compound has beneficial properties, thanks to which it stimulates skin healing, moisturizes it and provides protection from harmful effects (wind, low temperatures, etc.). Under the influence of pantothenic acid, collagen fibers become stronger, and the regeneration of epidermal cells accelerates.

For the purpose of soothing and healing cracked or sore nipples, nursing moms frequently choose "Bepanten." It’s simple to use and offers relief right away. Whether or not it needs to be cleaned off before breastfeeding is one of the main questions; the answer relies on personal preferences and the sensitivity of the infant. For extra peace of mind, some people prefer to wipe it off, but many find it safe to leave it alone.

Is it used during breastfeeding?

Many medications are forbidden during lactation because their active ingredients can contaminate breast milk and harm the developing baby’s developing body. However, in terms of Bepanten, there are no limitations. Newborns and nursing mothers can use both the cream and ointment under this name without risk. These medications’ active ingredient acts locally and is not absorbed into the bloodstream.

Bepanten can only be harmful to a woman in very rare circumstances, such as when she is allergic to dexpantentol or any other inactive ingredient.

The ointment and cream have no further contraindications, but using them for skin infections is not advised because Bepanten’s active ingredients cannot eliminate harmful bacteria.

When it is prescribed?

The cream is most often used for excessively dry skin, as well as for its irritation, for example, if a woman has dermatitis or sunburn. This form is also recommended for the prevention of dryness and damage to the skin. If you need to quickly cure scratches, burns, insect bites, prickly heat, abrasions and similar problems, they usually buy an ointment. Nursing mothers often use Bepanten to treat or prevent cracked nipples. Both forms of the drug can be used for this purpose, since the percentage of the active substance in them is the same. They are applied if the surface of the nipples has turned red or cracked as a result of improper attachment of the baby to the breast. This problem is not uncommon for young mothers. Women can encounter it already in the first days of breastfeeding, if the baby does not latch on to the nipple correctly or the mother does not use the breast pump skillfully. The appearance of cracks can also be caused by improper hygiene, for example, if the mother often washes her breasts with soap.

How to use for cracked nipples?

Treatment of the breast with Bepanten is performed after each feeding. At the same time, it is not necessary to wash the product off the nipples before the next feeding of the baby. According to the instructions, the drug is absorbed into the skin quite quickly and does not harm the baby in any way. Both dexpanthenol and all inactive substances of both forms of the drug are safe and are presented in small quantities, so they do not cause any negative consequences in the child"s body. In most cases, babies do not react in any way to breasts treated with Bepanten, since the ointment and cream do not have a strong smell or any taste. Therefore, you can not be afraid to forget to wipe the breast before feeding, since there is no need for this when using Bepanten.

Reapplying the medication as soon as the baby is done eating is advised if the mother is afraid to feed the child without first washing the cream or ointment off of the nipples.

• Learn how to properly attach the baby and carefully remove the breast from his mouth. If this cause, which is the main one for damaged nipples, is not eliminated, then all the costs of Bepanten will be unjustified, since the problem will soon recur again.
• Do not wash your breasts too often and do not wear too tight underwear. For normal care of the mammary glands, a daily hygienic shower is enough. In no case should you treat the nipples with brilliant green, as this will lead to severe drying of the skin and the appearance of new cracks. You should wash your breasts after each feeding only if the cracks are caused by an infection.
• Use a breast pump correctly. A mother should choose a device suitable for her breasts and consult a specialist on how to use it. If cracks are already present, then the breast pump should be put aside until they are completely healed. Until the wounds on the nipples have healed, the breast should be expressed only by hand.
• Use pads. If only one nipple is cracked, the mother can feed the baby from the second breast, and express milk from the diseased gland. You can also first let the healthy breast suck, and offer the cracked nipple second, since a hungry baby sucks with greater force. If cracks appear on both nipples, a woman should use pads, but after recovery, it is advisable to immediately refuse them so that such auxiliary devices do not affect breastfeeding.

Use for other indications

It is advised that women use Bepanten 1-2 times per day for treatment of abrasions, frostbite, dermatitis, stretch marks, and other conditions. The ointment or cream is applied in circular motions until the medication is fully absorbed into the affected area after the skin has been thoroughly cleaned. Until full healing, the medication is typically taken in the morning and right before bed.

You should contact your doctor right away if, following a week or two of use, there is no improvement or if the skin starts to become inflamed.

Reviews

The majority of women describe Bepanten as a useful home remedy because it has made their skin less dry and healed minor wounds more quickly. The cream is commended for its safe action, easy application, non-odor, consistency, and infrequent adverse effects. Such a medication only rarely caused an allergy, requiring the nursing mother to forgo using it.

The ointment’s benefits include its ability to treat minor burns, dermatitis, abrasions, cracks, and other issues quickly. This kind of product is simple to use, doesn’t leave stains on hands or clothing, and can be easily removed with a quick wash. Nursing moms most frequently use this "Bepanten" to treat cracked nipples, but many women dislike it because of its higher fat and viscosity content.

Given that a tube containing 30 g of any drug typically costs between 350 and 450 rubles, the drawback of both forms is typically referred to as their high cost. Because of this, women frequently favor more reasonably priced moisturizing and wound-healing products, which are available in a sizable assortment at pharmacies and children’s stores.

This is a succinct way to wrap up your article:

Nursing moms who have cracked or sore skin may find that using "Bepanten" helps. It is a popular choice for many due to its calming qualities.

Even though it’s gentle on the skin, some moms feel that washing it off before feeding is necessary, while others might disagree. It’s important to always keep your baby’s comfort and safety in mind.

In the end, every mother’s journey is unique, so it’s critical to discover what suits you and your child the most. Getting advice from a medical expert can help you make a decision.

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"Bepanten" for nursing mothers: from application to the need to wash off