Treatment for painful nipple lesions in breastfeeding women using low-level laser therapy

Low-Level-Lasertherapie (LLLT) Bei Schmerzhaften, Wunden Mamillen Stillender Frauen

Not applicable Interventional University of Zurich · NCT04259619

This study is testing if low-level laser therapy can help breastfeeding women with painful nipple lesions feel better and heal faster.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment194 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zürich, Zurich)
Trial IDNCT04259619 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in treating painful nipple lesions in breastfeeding women. The study will enroll 194 participants who will be randomly assigned to receive either LLLT or placebo treatments over a period of 1 to 3 days. Participants will undergo assessments to classify their nipple lesions, evaluate potential causes, and analyze inflammatory parameters through blood samples. The goal is to determine if LLLT can reduce pain and promote healing, thereby supporting continued breastfeeding.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are breastfeeding or expressing women aged 18 and older who are experiencing painful nipple lesions.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to the treatment, such as certain infections or skin conditions, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly alleviate pain for breastfeeding women, promoting longer breastfeeding duration and improving maternal-infant bonding.

How similar studies have performed: While low-level laser therapy has shown promise in other contexts, this specific application for nipple lesions in breastfeeding women is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* signed written informed consent form
* breast-feeding or pumping participant with painful nipple lesions
* 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* contraindication for the class of medical device used or intervention being performed e.g.

known hypersensitivity or allergy against the medical device or class of medical device

* missing willingness to take part in the study
* hepatitis B or C positive
* human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive
* intake of immunosuppressive drugs
* epilepsy
* dark or tattooed skin
* lacking German or English skills
* mamma carcinoma in past medical history
* severe infection (C-reactive protein (CRP) \>200mg/l; leucocytes \>20000/ul)

Where this trial is running

Zürich, Zurich

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Nipple Lesions
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.