Comparing the Effects of Yarrow, Honey, and Breast Milk for Healing Nipple Fissure

BACKGROUND: Nipple fissure is a common problem among breastfeeding women, which can lead to early cessation of breastfeeding. Because of the lack of effective treatment and given the approved efficacy of honey and yarrow on sore healing, this study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effects of yarrow, honey, and breast milk on the treatment of nipple fissure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a three-group clinical trial, and sampling was conducted at Sina breastfeeding counseling center from September 2016 to March 2018 in Sirjan, Iran, using a target-based method. The sample size consisted of 150 individuals who were randomly assigned into three groups as topical use of yarrow, the mountain honey, and breast milk after obtaining the written informed consent. The correct method of breastfeeding and using materials were instructed to these three groups on the 1(st), 3(rd), and 7(th) days, where the Storr scale was completed by the researcher. RESULTS: Friedman test showed that, in these three groups of yarrow (χ(2) = 92.19, df = 2, p < 0.001), honey (χ(2) = 93.29, df = 2, p < 0.001), and breast milk (χ(2) = 90.51, df = 2, p < 0.001)); severity of fissure had a significant reduction. Nevertheless, Kruskal–Wallis test revealed no significant difference among the severity of fissure scores in these three groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of honey, yarrow, and breast milk can be recommended to women in breastfeeding counseling and pharmaceutical companies can be advised to use honey and yarrow in the preparation of anti-fissure creams.