If you have any questions about this information, you can contact the Drugs in Breastmilk team through their Facebook page or on druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.
You may need to apply a variety of creams and ointments to your skin whilst you are breastfeeding. There is very little absorption of these products into breastmilk and most products can be applied without interruption of breastfeeding. |
Products which can be used:
- Emollient creams/ointments to soothe and moisturise skin
- Topical steroids can be applied sparingly as directed in normal quantities i.e. no more than one standard tube per week
- Shower gels and bath emollients to soothe eczema
- Anti-viral cream to treat cold sores (herpes simplex) e.g. acyclovir (Zovirax®)
- Creams or ointments to be applied directly to the nipple or areola should be applied sparingly after feeds and any visible product gently wiped off before the subsequent breastfeed
- Simple creams/ointments or gels to treat acne e.g. benzoyl peroxide
- Antibacterial creams/ointments/gels e.g. fucidic acid (Fucidin®)
- Preparations for warts e.g. salicylic acid (Cuplex®)
- Preparations to treat verrucas (e.g. Bazucca®)
- Topical anti-inflammatory creams/ointments/gels e.g. ibuprofen (Ibugel®), Diclofenac (Voltarol Emulgel®) Mentholatum (Deep Heat®)
- Sunscreen products can be applied liberally as necessary
- Antiseptic creams e.g. Savlon®
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References
- British National Formulary
- Hale T. W Medications in Mothers Milk
- Jones W Breastfeeding and Medication Routledge 2018
© The Breastfeeding Network. Published Sept 2019, last amended March 2026