Mm. Ziemer et al., EVALUATION OF A DRESSING TO REDUCE NIPPLE PAIN AND IMPROVE NIPPLE SKIN CONDITION IN BREAST-FEEDING WOMEN, Nursing research, 44(6), 1995, pp. 347-351
This study was designed to evaluate whether maintenance of a moist env
ironment on the nipple skin during the first week of breast-feeding wo
uld improve damaged nipple skin condition, as indicated by the presenc
e of eschar, erythema, and fissures, and reduce pain. Fifty White wome
n applied a polyethylene film dressing with a perimeter adhesive syste
m to a randomly determined nipple. The dressing was present at all tim
es except during feeding. Subjects were assessed every 48 hours (four
times) over 7 days. Serial photographic slides were obtained and asses
sed for skin characteristics. Nipple pain was self-rated with a verbal
descriptor scale. Use of an occlusive film dressing on nipple skin du
ring the first week of breast-feeding appeared to have limited influen
ce on improvement in damaged skin condition. Summary scores indicated
significant reduction in the amount of eschar on the surface of the ni
pple. There were no differences in erythema intensity or fissure sever
ity. Use of a dressing significantly reduced nipple pain during the st
udy period.