Effective interventions for treating nipple trauma resulting from breastfeeding: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To identify interventions based on effective scientific evidence for treating nipple trauma due to breastfeeding. Methods: This is a systematic review, carried out in the MEDLINE®/PubMed®, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane and LILACS databases, between August and September 2020. The descriptors nipple* AND wound and injuries OR trauma AND therapeutic OR treatment AND breastfeeding were used. Intervention studies, without language and time restriction, full text and that did not address nipple trauma not related to breastfeeding were included. Effective interventions were considered those with positive outcome for tissue repair and/or pain. The searches were in pairs, and the quality of the trials was assessed by the Jadad scale and by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Results: The final sample was composed of seven articles, found in the CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The effective interventions found involved chamomile ointment, use of highly purified lanolin, low-level laser photobiomodulation, honey, millefeuille and breast milk. Each intervention found was used in different situations and in different ways, which should be considered for clinical practice. Guidance on the handle was present in association with most effective interventions. Conclusion: The interventions evidenced may contribute to reduce difficulties in breastfeeding, in the reduction of pain and injury tissue repair.