Breast infection
Alternative Names
Mastitis; Infection - breast tissue; Breast abscessTreatment
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 a breast infection. You are encouraged to continue to breast-feed or to pump to relieve breast engorgement (from milk production) while receiving treatment.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The condition usually clears quickly with antibiotic therapy.
Possible Complications
In severe infections, an abscess may develop. Abscesses require more extensive treatment, including surgery to drain the area. Women with abscesses may be told to temporarily stop breast-feeding.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
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 or swollen.
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