Breast infection

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Female Breast

Breast infection

Normal female breast anatomy

Breast infection

Alternative Names:

Mastitis; Infection - breast tissue; Breast abscess
Treatment:

Self-care may include applying moist heat to the infected breast tissue for 15 to 20 minutes four times a day.

Antibiotic medications are usually very effective in treating mastitis. You are encouraged to continue to breast-feed or to pump to alleviate engorgement while receiving treatment.

Support Groups:

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The stress of an illness can often be helped by joining a support group in which members share common experiences and problems. See breast-feeding - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

The condition usually clears quickly with antibiotic therapy.

Complications:

In severe infections, an abscess may develop. Abscesses require more extensive treatment, including incision and drainage. Discontinuation of breast-feeding may be recommended in this case.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if any portion of the breast tissue becomes reddened, tender, swollen, or hot, or if the lymph nodes in the armpit become tender and/or enlarged.