Nipple trauma in infants? Bednar aphthae

Introduction: Bednar aphthae are infected wounds caused by trauma, localized to the hard palate in infants. They do not require specific treatment because they regress spontaneously in a few days. They often remain undiagnosed; other times, because of the pain they caused, they may worsen the nursing. Case report: We describe the clinical case of a healthy infant of 2 months, fed with formula, who has 2 aphthous lesions in the oral cavity associated with irritability and inconsolable crying during feeding. We excluded the influence of infectious factors or underlying diseases. The hypothesis of a traumatic factor was supported by the anatomical features of aphthae and then confirmed by the gradual resolution of lesions after some advices on breastfeeding. Conclusions: Our intent is to provide a photographic record of Bednar aphthae, which are quite common but often misdiagnosed also because of lacking of photographic material. Improved knowledge of this condition helps physicians in the differential diagnosis of a traumatic condition that is not as unusual as it seems in newborns. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.