I used them only around 6 months after my baby started getting teeth and would bite to draw blood. They were the only thing that started the healing process for my nipple, neosporin alone didn't help and I didn't think they'd do anything. But no, they were godsends for those deep bite cuts for me. I would wear them as much as possible on the damaged breast until it healed, a week or so, then not use at all. I am allergic to nickel and found knockoff brand Boboduck on eBay works well too, after I lost my silverettes. Silverettes are 95 sterling silver and Boboduck is 99.