In terms of prevention, warm water compresses are recommended for the prevention of nipple pain, and simply keeping the nipples clean and dry is recommended for the prevention of cracked nipples. In terms of treatment, warm water compresses are recommended for the reduction of nipple pain, and expressed breast-milk reduces the duration of cracked nipples. Hydrogel dressings were associated with a high incidence of infections and their use cannot be recommended. Systemic antibiotics are recommended if a positive culture for Staphylococcus aureus is obtained.