Table 1.

The scales used for the measurements of mastitis signs and symptoms in the RCT

Erythema	Breast tension
No redness = 0	No change = 0
Slight redness in limited area = 1	Firm, no tenderness = 1
Redness in limited area = 2	Tense, not uncomfortable = 2
Bright red in limited area = 3	Tense and uncomfortable = 3
Bright red over most of the breast = 4	Tense and painful = 4
	Very tense and very painful = 5

Pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale: 0 = no pain, 10 = worst possible pain. Severity Index = Erythema + Breast tension + Pain: range 0–19