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LB954 Characterizing nipple skin injuries in postpartum women
Abstract   Peer reviewed

LB954 Characterizing nipple skin injuries in postpartum women

A. Munjal, S.E. Rand, S. Radke and J.G. Powers
Journal of investigative dermatology, Vol.144(8 Supplement), pp.S167-S167
08/2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.06.1128

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Abstract

Postpartum hormonal changes can lead to painful changes in nipple skin. Prior research has characterized nipple trauma in response to breastfeeding, but no study has looked at specific dermatological conditions in postpartum women and tracked these changes over an extended period. Prior research has characterized nipple trauma in response to breastfeeding, but no study has looked at specific dermatological conditions in postpartum women and tracked these changes over an extended period. A third of postpartum women are too busy with their newborn to attend postpartum checkups, indicating a need for resources to determine specific nipple skin injuries and consider potential treatments1. This study aimed to characterize nipple skin injuries in postpartum women, evaluate contributing factors, and assess available therapeutic treatments. An anonymous survey was distributed through Facebook groups for new and expecting mothers, and photos of current nipple injuries secondary to lactation were gathered. All surveys and photos were collected securely through RedCap. A retrospective cross-sectional study was designed including a total 391 postpartum women. Incidence of nipple skin injury was significantly greater in women over 35 (39.85%) compared to women 34 and under (23.81%, P=0.0038). Prevalence of nipple skin injuries in women breastfeeding in the first six months was 28.97%, from six to twelve months was 21.33%, and over one year was 38.66% (P=0.0342). Qualitative data demonstrated the most prevalent skin-related concerns of breastfeeding women were pain (55%), appearance (34%), and breastfeeding ability (16%). These results demonstrate the disproportionate impact of breastfeeding on nipple skin of older mothers, and the long-term persistence of nipple skin injuries.

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