Alternate Names: Mastitis; Infection - breast tissue; Breast abscess

Causes and Risks:

Breast infections are usually caused by a common bacteria found on normal skin (Staphylococcus aureus). The bacteria enter through a break or crack in the skin, usually the nipple. Breast infections usually occur in women who are breastfeeding. Breast infections that are not related to breastfeeding must be differentiated from a rare form of breast cancer.

Prevention:

Good breast care, especially after delivery and while breastfeeding, may decrease the potential to develop breast infections.

Symptoms:

• breast pain
• breast lump
• breast enlargement on one side only
• swelling, tenderness, redness, and heat in breast tissue
• nipple discharge (may contain pus)
• nipple sensation changes
• itching
• tender and/or enlarged lymph nodes in armpit on the same side
• fever

Signs and Tests:

In women who are not breastfeeding, testing may include mammography or breast biopsy. Otherwise, tests are usually not necessary.

Treatment:

Self-care may include applying moist heat to the infected breast tissue for 15 to 20 minutes 4 times a day. Antibiotic medications are used (usually one that allows breastfeeding on the unaffected side to continue) and the affected breast is gently massaged or pumped to prevent engorgement.

Support Groups:

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

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 breastfeeding may be recommended in this case.

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.