Title: What plasters can be used during breastfeeding? A must-read safe medication guide for breastfeeding mothers
Breastfeeding mothers often wonder whether to use plasters when they experience muscle soreness, joint pain or injuries. Although the plaster is for external use, some of the ingredients may be absorbed through the skin into the milk, affecting the baby's health. The following is a guide to the use of lactation plasters that has been hotly discussed on the Internet in the past 10 days, compiled based on doctor's advice and authoritative data.
1. Plaster ingredients prohibited during lactation (high risk)

| Ingredient name | Risk Statement | Common medicines |
|---|---|---|
| Methyl salicylate | May cause metabolic acidosis in infants | Partial bruise analgesic cream |
| Camphor | May cause hemolysis or jaundice in infants | Cooling oil, some joint analgesic ointments |
| Menthol | High doses may affect infant breathing | Partial muscle soreness patch |
2. Relatively safe types of plasters during breastfeeding
| Plaster type | Recommended ingredients | Usage suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| hot compress plaster | Far-infrared ceramic powder, capsaicin (low concentration) | Avoid the breast area for no more than 8 hours at a time |
| cold compress | Polymer gel (drug-free) | Can be used for short-term treatment of muscle swelling |
| Traditional Chinese medicine ointment | Angelica sinensis and Ligusticum chuanxiong (doctor’s confirmation required) | Select products labeled "Can be used during lactation" |
3. Latest survey data in 2023 (sample size: 5,000 breastfeeding mothers)
| Usage behavior | Proportion | main concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid using plasters altogether | 42% | Worry about drug penetration affecting the baby |
| Use heat compresses occasionally | 35% | Prefer physical therapy |
| Use medicated plasters as directed by your doctor | 23% | Need to clearly label lactation safety |
4. Special reminder from doctors
1. Be sure to read the ingredient list before use and avoid plasters containing "prohibited ingredients";
2. It is recommended to apply it immediately after breastfeeding and remove it 2 hours before the next breastfeeding;
3. Give priority to physical therapy (hot towel compress, massage, etc.);
4. If the pain lasts for more than 3 days, you should seek medical treatment instead of relying on plasters.
5. Recommendation of alternatives
•Low back pain during breastfeeding:Use a maternity support belt with Kegel exercises
•Muscle soreness:Warm bath (38-40℃) plus gentle massage
•Joint discomfort:Low-impact yoga (avoid hot yoga)
6. Hot topics of discussion among netizens
The three most discussed issues on social platforms recently:
1. Can plaster be applied to the itchy and painful cesarean section scar? (Answer: Medical silicone patch is required)
2. Is the traditional plaster "Muskey Tiger Bone Plaster" absolutely prohibited? (Answer: Avoid musk)
3. Is it safer to purchase plasters overseas? (Answer: You need to check the local lactation medication classification)
Note: The data in this article has been updated to October 2023. Please refer to the guidance of a licensed physician for specific medication. Caution must be exercised regarding the safety of medication during lactation. It is recommended to check the lactation risk level of medications through authoritative platforms such as "Medication Assistant".
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