Mastitis
Mastitis is a condition which causes a woman's breast tissue to become painful and inflamed. It's most common in breastfeeding women, usually within the first three months after giving birth.
If mastitis is caused by breastfeeding, doctors may refer to it as lactation mastitis or puerperal mastitis. Non-breastfeeding women often have a type called periductal mastitis. Mastitis usually only affects one breast, and symptoms often develop quickly. Symptoms of mastitis can include:
You should arrange to see your GP as soon as possible if you believe you have mastitis. Early treatment may prevent the formation of a breast abscess which can require surgical drainage.
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Breast Abscess
A breast abscess is a painful collection of pus that forms in the breast.
Most abscesses develop just under the skin and are caused by a bacterial infection. Breast abscesses are painful, swollen lumps that may also:
Around 3% of patients with mastitis who are treated with antibiotics will go onto to develop an abscess.
Treatment of a breast abscess will usually involve a combination of antibiotics and drainage of the abscess under ultrasound. In the past many abscesses were drained surgically. This is now less common but still may be required.
For more information click here
Mastitis is a condition which causes a woman's breast tissue to become painful and inflamed. It's most common in breastfeeding women, usually within the first three months after giving birth.
If mastitis is caused by breastfeeding, doctors may refer to it as lactation mastitis or puerperal mastitis. Non-breastfeeding women often have a type called periductal mastitis. Mastitis usually only affects one breast, and symptoms often develop quickly. Symptoms of mastitis can include:
- a red, swollen area on your breast that may feel hot and painful to touch
- a breast lump or area of hardness on your breast
- a burning pain in your breast that may be continuous or may only occur when you are breastfeeding
- nipple discharge, which may be white or contain streaks of blood
You should arrange to see your GP as soon as possible if you believe you have mastitis. Early treatment may prevent the formation of a breast abscess which can require surgical drainage.
For more information click here
Breast Abscess
A breast abscess is a painful collection of pus that forms in the breast.
Most abscesses develop just under the skin and are caused by a bacterial infection. Breast abscesses are painful, swollen lumps that may also:
- be red
- feel hot
- cause the surrounding skin to swell
- cause a fever (high temperature)
Around 3% of patients with mastitis who are treated with antibiotics will go onto to develop an abscess.
Treatment of a breast abscess will usually involve a combination of antibiotics and drainage of the abscess under ultrasound. In the past many abscesses were drained surgically. This is now less common but still may be required.
For more information click here