Exploring Red Light Therapy for Mastitis Self-Care

If you’re on the lookout for new and innovative approaches to skincare, it’s likely you might’ve stumbled upon numerous influencers praising the benefits of red light therapy. No wonder it has reached the social media feeds of new moms seeking at-home remedies to problems often faced during the postpartum period.

Actress Jenna Dewan, who recently gave birth to her daughter Rhiannon, has shared an Instagram carousel that reveals her mastitis self-care routine, which includes applying a red light therapy mask on her breasts. In this article, we review what mastitis is, its management strategies, and, of course, answer the question — does red light therapy have a place in mastitis management?

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue, and it often appears suddenly, affecting one or both breasts. It commonly affects breastfeeding people, however, it might also be experienced by those who are not nursing.

Can red light therapy help with mastitis?

Currently, there is no substantial evidence to support the use of red light therapy for mastitis or any other lactation issues. Although limited research suggests that low-level laser therapy, which red light therapy falls under the umbrella of, may have an anti-inflammatory effect, it's unknown whether it could help combat inflammation in breast tissue in particular.

To add, it is not known whether using this type of photobiomodulation is even safe in breastfeeding people, and those who use conventional lines of treatment for mastitis — antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs — may be at risk of increased light sensitivity.

Some very old papers of questionable quality published in the Soviet Union have described using laser sources of light (not LED devices, which most at-home red light therapy devices are) for mastitis treatment. However, evidence from studies published such a long time ago — in the 80s, to be exact — cannot be considered relevant.

A couple of more recent studies have examined the effect of low-level laser therapy on nipple pain management in nursing women. However, the results were inconsistent, and studies did not focus on mastitis treatment in particular.

This leaves us without any scientific basis to support using red light therapy for mastitis.

Jenna Dewan’s mastitis routine

Jenna Dewan, the actress who posted her mastitis self-care routine on Instagram that included using a red light therapy mask on her breast, hasn’t shared her motives with her 9.5 million followers on Instagram.

The post was intended to be empowering to fellow moms — it certainly doesn’t seem like Dewan aimed to make people doubt conventional, evidence-based based-treatments of mastitis (after all, though risking a case of photosensitivity, she made it clear that she’s also using antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds). However, the comment section of the post has become a free space for fellow Instagram users to spread fake news about mastitis treatment. To add, media sources were quick to pick up this story without pointing out the lack of substantial evidence of this treatment strategy.

What should red light therapy be used for?

It’s important to note that research on red light therapy is still very limited. Though it’s a type of non-invasive therapy, it doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to be safe. Many potential benefits and risks of red light are still unknown, as well as how often, for how long, and at what intensity or distance the devices should be used.

If you’re thinking of giving red light therapy for your needs a go, first, see a healthcare professional for an adequate diagnosis and treatment and discuss whether red light is safe and potentially beneficial in your case. Then, choose a device from a reputable brand that provides extensive data on their safety standards, and make sure to thoroughly read the user manual of your device of choice.

Medically approved mastitis self-care tips

Though red light therapy cannot be recommended as a safe and effective line of mastitis treatment, there are plenty of self-care measures for breastfeeding people that can be taken as soon as the symptoms begin.

Empty the breasts

Continue to regularly breastfeed, hand express, and pump to clear the breast infection, starting from the affected side. If you stop emptying the breasts, the milk will build up further, worsening your condition.

It’s encouraged to breastfeed even when the breast seems uncomfortably full and when you’re prescribed antibiotics. They are safe for your baby.

You might want to see a lactation consultant to make sure the baby is latching properly. Changing breastfeeding positions might help, too.

Use heat and cold therapy

Simple, natural treatments such as compresses might be helpful in case of mastitis. Applying a warm cloth to the breast before emptying will help increase milk letdown and make emptying easier by improving the flow. After you breastfeed or empty the breast by pumping or expressing the milk manually, apply a cold pack. Cold may help reduce swelling as well as pain.

Stay hydrated and rest

Though this can be undeniably difficult when you have to take care of a baby, make sure to take as much rest as you can by allowing your family members to help you where possible. Remember to drink plenty of fluids as you might be dehydrated as a result of fever.

Take care of your breasts

Avoid tight bras and tops until you no longer feel discomfort in your breasts. Instead, choose softer supportive bras. Lightly massage the breast while emptying milk without applying too much pressure. Do not apply any ointments before seeing a doctor.

Use over-the-counter painkillers

Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are safe to use while breastfeeding. They might provide inflammation relief, help alleviate pain, and relieve breast tenderness. It’s highly unlikely NSAIDs like this will have an effect on your baby.

Mastitis and red light therapy: the takeaway

According to current scientific evidence, it's safe to say that there’s no place for red light therapy in mastitis treatment. To add, it’s not certain whether red light therapy is even safe for breastfeeding individuals.

If home remedies do not seem to make you feel better or if you're worried about your breast health, see your healthcare provider. Sometimes, antibiotics may be needed.

Want to know more about mastitis? Leave your questions in the comment section below.