Effectiveness of moisturising therapy in treating nipple trauma: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION

Breastfeeding is crucial in infant nutrition and bonding, recommended for at least 6 months and up to 2 years postpartum, providing health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, nipple trauma is common among lactating mothers. Moisturising therapies, such as hydrogel application, aim to promote the healing of nipple wounds. Despite various interventions proposed, comprehensive reviews evaluating the efficacy of moisturising therapies for nipple trauma are lacking. This review aims to appraise the effectiveness of moisturising therapy, particularly tailored for nipple trauma in lactating women.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This systematic review protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines and is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. The focus will be on both randomised and non-randomised controlled trials addressing the treatment of nipple trauma in lactating women. In this context, 'moisturising therapy' is categorised as a non-pharmacological intervention applied directly to the nipple, excluding treatments for bacterial or fungal infections. The primary outcomes will include measures of the healing efficiency of nipple trauma and reduction in nipple pain. Searches will be conducted without date restrictions across multiple databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CiNii Research and Ichushi-Web, in addition to exploration of grey literature. Two independent reviewers will manage all stages of the review process, under the supervision of a third reviewer. Data extraction will encompass participant demographics, study methodologies, sample specifics and measured outcomes. Quality assessment will be conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal Checklist Tools.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not required for this study. The findings of this review will be disseminated through academic publications, detailed reports and presentations at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023481761.