Breast abscess
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for about breast abscesses.
What Is a Breast Abscess?
It is a painful accumulation of pus in the breast, caused by a bacterial infection, often resulting from complications of mastitis–a condition that causes breast inflammation and swelling.
What Are the Symptoms of a Breast Abscess?
- Breast abscesses are often painful and swollen, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Redness.
- Increased temperature.
- Swelling of the surrounding skin.
A warm feeling in the affected area.
- What Are the Causes of a Breast Abscess?
- A breast abscess can form if a breast infection (mastitis) is not treated promptly. This infection usually affects breastfeeding mothers.
- Infections can occur during breastfeeding if bacteria enter the breast tissue or if milk ducts become blocked.
Non-breastfeeding women can also develop an abscess if bacteria enter the milk ducts due to cracked nipples, or because of a piercing.
How Is it Diagnosed?:
- A woman should always visit a doctor if she notices any changes in her breasts, such as discharge or leakage from the nipple. In some cases, these symptoms could be indications of breast cancer. The doctor will take a medical history and conduct a clinical examination. They may also request additional procedures, as needed, such as:
Ultrasound examination and breast imaging, as determined by the doctor.
What Are the Treatment Options for a Breast Abscess?
- Treatment can be administered through several procedures, or depending on the necessity, including:
- Needle drainage of pus, which may need to be done several times in the hospital.
A small incision in the skin to drain pus after numbing the area; hospital stay is not required, and antibiotics may be prescribed for home use.
What Are the Preventive Methods Against Breast Abscess?
- Primary preventive measures for breast abscesses include:
- Maintaining the nipple area, especially for breastfeeding women or those with an injury.
- Completely emptying the breast after nursing to prevent milk stasis.
- Avoiding dryness of the nipple and surrounding area to prevent cracking.
Fighting infection through frequent handwashing.
- What Are the Complications of a Breast Abscess?
- Milk fistula: A rare condition that can occur in breastfeeding mothers, described as an opening between the milk duct and the skin, causing milk to leak onto the skin.
Antibioma: A condition that occurs when antibiotics are used for a long period without surgical intervention for the abscess.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- Visit a doctor if you experience:
- Swelling, redness, and pain in the breast.
- Fever.
Breast abscess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I breastfeed my baby if I have a breast abscess?
Yes, you can breastfeed your child, and it is advised not to stop breastfeeding. The doctor will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic that does not interfere with breastfeeding your baby.
Is it safe to breastfeed if there is blood in the milk?
