the nipple itself and surrounds are fine, not hard, not hot, not painful. It is the borders where the thin skin meets her standard skin that is the problem. I intend taking her to the vet first thing. the pups have been on solids for nearly a week trying to get them weaned. I am keep ing a close eye on temp etc. it is just is there anything i can apply to the broken skin to give her some comfort, keep it protected for the next 8 hrs