Evaluation of a cosmetic balm to reduce nipple pain and improve nipple skin condition in breastfeeding women

Introduction:

Sore nipples and cracked nipples are a frequent problem during for breastfeeding women. They seem to be related to inadequate positioning and suction of the newborn. The first symptom is pain. It may be followed by erythema, fissures, and desquamation, sometimes leading to surinfection and cessation of lactation. Women seek for a quick solution to continue breastfeeding and to avoid complications (mastitis).
The present study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new nursing comfort balm with soothing and dermorepairing properties. This balm has been formulated to reduce nipple pain and cracked nipples. It contains Lupeol, patented active ingredient, soya peptides, marine salts, soothing and nourishing ingredients (chlorophycea extract, candelilla wax, etc).
Unlike many other products, this balm is free of lanolin.

Materials and methods:

Fifty breastfeeding women with nipple pain or cracked nipple have been enrolled by gynecologists and midwives in an open trial. Tested balm was applied to the nipple area after each feeding.
It did not need to be rinsed off before each feeding. Women with fungal or bacterial cutaneous infections were excluded.
Following criteria were evaluated at days 0 and 7: pain, skin irritation, dryness, edema, fissures (cotation, 0-9) and quality of life.

Results:

Included women (mean, 32.2 yrs old) were lactating for the first time in 67% of cases, 82% exclusively. Pain appeared after a mean delay of 14.7 days, with a mean number of 6.1 feedings per day, during 20.7 minutes each. Pain disappeared for 56% of the patients with a mean delay of 2.4 days (0.5-6). Superficial and deep fissures also disappeared in 58% and 69% of cases. If not, improvement was collected in 78% and no change in 22%, with no aggravations. Irritation and dryness were reduced by 78% and 92%; fissures and edema by 81% and 92%. Quality of life improved by 51%.

Conclusion:

A new breastfeeding balm improved lactating conditions and nursing comfort for 88% of tested women (global satisfaction rate of both investigators and patients). It has a very rapid onset of action with a mean pain relief inferior to 3 days.