Nipples can be warmed for short periods of time after each feeding, using a hairdryer on low setting. Nipples should be exposed to air as much as possible. Nursing pads keep moisture against the nipple and may cause damage that way. They also tend to stick to damaged nipples. If you leak a lot you can wear the pad over the breast shell.
Ointments can sometimes be helpful.
If you do use an ointment, use just a very small amount after nursing and do not wash it off. Do not wash your nipples frequently. Daily bathing is more than enough. If your baby is gaining weight well, there is no good reason the baby must be fed on both breasts at each feeding. It may save you pain, and speed healing if you feed your baby on only one breast each feed.