extreme pain??

i’ve been breastfeeding and pumping for over 8 months now and it’s been going really good! my sons never had a bottle he’s strictly breastfed i only pump to make purées and to have backup milk. for the past few weeks my nipples have been so incredibly chapped and in so much pain. there’s cuts at the base of both my nipples. i got a lactation consult to make sure his latch was fine and she said nothing was wrong with it. both my son and i had thrush in the first couple months of his life so i know it’s not that. i’m still producing my same amount it’s just all the sudden painful? the entire area is red and swollen and the initial latch is horrible. once he’s been eating for a little bit it goes back to normal and it’s not painful but then when he’s done eating and unlatches it’s painful again. i’ve been using nipple cream and the lactation specialist has told me to put breastmilk on them after each feed and let them air dry before clipping my bra back on. i’m trying to schedule an appointment with my primary who used to be my OB but i won’t be able to get in for awhile since it’s flu season. and i don’t want to go to the ER because they will just charge me an ungodly amount for some pills that may or may not work. any ideas on what it could be? i would insert some pictures to help yall know what im talking about but im not sure if thats allowed. *I would also like to say this isnt affecting my son at all! hes totally fine and healthy👍