The breast abscess is the accumulation of pus (composed of dead cells, bacteria, and white blood cells) in breast tissue. Breast abscess infection usually occurs in breastfeeding mothers. A breast abscess can be a complication of Mastitis.
A breast abscess is a bacterial infection, which enters through a crack in the skin of the breast/nipple. The main bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus.
The breast abscess is observed more often in non-lactating women than in lactating women.
It commonly affects the skin of the lower half of the breast and tends to recur in women who are –
Overweight, having large breasts, having poor personal hygiene
Breast abscess affects women of age group 18 -50 years of age. Breast infection usually affects women who are breastfeeding.
Symptoms-
• Breast pain, tenderness, redness
• red, Swollen breast lump
• High fever, chills
• Pus draining from the nipple
• Tender lymph nodes
The breast abscess is caused by bacterial infection, mainly Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria enters through cracked nipples. The infected area gets filled with pus. Breast infections should be differentiated from breast cancer.
History of breast abscess
Risk factors –
• Diabetic Mothers
• Mothers with a previous operation on their breast
• Mothers who smoke
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Using steroid medications
• Low immunity
• Silicone implants
Physical Examination-
• The physician will do a thorough breast examination
• Complete blood count
• Ultrasonography
• Needle biopsy to rule out cancer
• Mastitis
• Breast cancer
• Cellulitis
Management-
• Draining pus from abscess
• Antibiotics to destroy bacteria causing infection
• Needle aspiration for abscess less than 3cm in size
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Using a warm compress on the breast
• Breastfeeding mothers should make sure to empty the breasts.
• Nipple and breast should be cleaned properly
• Avoid clothing which can irritate the breast
• After breastfeeding, nipples can be lubricated with Vitamin A & Vitamin D ointment
• Warm water soaks / warm compresses
• Breastfeed often
• Avoid sleeping or resting in a position which can compress the breast
• Breast massage to improve the blood circulation
Homeopathic management-
Arnica Montana
•Sore nipples
•Septic conditions
•Usually after traumatic injuries
•Acts in dark-haired people with nervous or sanguine nature
Belladonna
• Mastitis, pain throbbing with redness.
• Breast feel heavy, are red
• Tumors of the breast and pain worse on lying down.
• A headache, constipation and scanty urine
Bryonia alba
• The stony heaviness of breasts; hot, hard, painful.
• Abscess of mammae
• Menstrual irregularities
• Pain in the breast during menses.
Bufo Rana
• Mastitis, indurations in mammary glands
• Burning in ovaries and uterus
• Itching and burning
Mercurius solubilis
• Hard swelling of mammae
• Morning sickness with profuse salivation
• Mammae is painful and full of milk during menses
Phytolacca decandra
• Tumor of the breast with enlarged axillary gland
• Breast is hard, painful
• Irritable breast before and during menses.
• Mastitis, mammae hard and painful
Silicea terra
• Nipples sore and painful
• Hard lump in the breast
• Patient is cold, and chilly and has a desire for plenty of warm clothing
• Ailments with pus formation
