Galactorrhea

GALACTORRHEA (from Greek gala - milk and rrheo - I flow), spontaneous discharge of milk from the breasts; often observed in women with heightened excitability of the nervous system regulating emptying of the mammary glands. G. is not a sign of abundant milk and occurs in two forms: either while the child is suckling one breast, milk drips from the other, or milk is discharged from both breasts even between feedings. In the latter case, constant moisture of the skin can easily cause irritation of the latter and weeping eczema. In rare cases, G. reaches such a degree that it undermines a woman's strength. There is no radical remedy for G. The best approach is to apply to the breast a pad made of several layers of gauze or other, highly absorbent fabric. Sometimes faradization of the nipples helps.