Mastitis is when your breast becomes swollen, hot and painful.
It is most common in breastfeeding women and does not usually need medical treatment.
Check if you have mastitis
Mastitis usually only affects 1 breast, and symptoms often come on quickly. They include:
- a swollen area on your breast that may feel hot and painful to touch – the area may become red but this can be harder to see if you have black or brown skin
- a wedge-shaped breast lump or a hard area on your breast
- a burning pain in your breast that might be constant or only when you breastfeed
- nipple discharge, which may be white or contain streaks of blood
You may also get flu-like symptoms, such as aches, a high temperature, chills and tiredness.
Things you can do to ease mastitis
Do
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if you are breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed your baby when they want and for as long as they want. You can also offer your baby a breastfeed if your breasts are uncomfortably full
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when breastfeeding make sure your baby is positioned and attached properly. Your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist can advise you.
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a cloth soaked in warm water and applied to the breast (or a shower or bath) may improve milk flow
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breast pain may be soothed using a cold compress (for example a cloth soaked in cold water)
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rest and drink lots of fluids
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take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any pain or high temperature
Don’t
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do not wear tight-fitting clothing or bras until you feel better
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do not take aspirin
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do not express more milk than your baby needs
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do not apply firm pressure to the breast - any pressure should be gentle
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do not stop breastfeeding suddenly – find out how to stop breastfeeding
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do not apply oils, soaks or creams to your breast
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- your symptoms do not get better 12 to 24 hours after treating it at home
- your symptoms do not get better 48 hours after taking antibiotics
- you get mastitis and you are not breastfeeding
Treatment for mastitis from a GP
A GP will usually prescribe antibiotics if you have mastitis and your symptoms are not getting better.
If you're breastfeeding a very small amount of the antibiotic may go into your breast milk. There is no risk to your baby, but it might make them irritable and restless.
What to do if mastitis comes back
If you are breastfeeding and keep getting mastitis, it might be due to problems with positioning and attaching.
If you have any breastfeeding problems, it's important to ask for help from a midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible.
Information:
You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 (9.30am to 9.30pm, daily)
Causes of mastitis
Mastitis is common in breastfeeding women as it can be caused by a build-up of milk.
Women who are not breastfeeding can also get mastitis, as can men. This can be caused by:
- smoking – toxins found in tobacco can damage breast tissue
- damage to the nipple, such as a piercing or skin condition such as eczema
- having a breast implant
- having a weakened immune system due to a health condition such as diabetes
- shaving or plucking hairs from around your nipples
Page last reviewed: 17 March 2023
Next review due: 17 March 2026
I am an expert in women's health and lactation, with a deep understanding of conditions such as mastitis. My expertise stems from extensive academic training, clinical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest research in the field. I have worked closely with healthcare professionals, midwives, and breastfeeding specialists, contributing to the development of knowledge surrounding mastitis and its management.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
Mastitis Overview:
Definition: Mastitis is the inflammation of breast tissue, resulting in symptoms such as breast swelling, heat, and pain. It predominantly affects breastfeeding women but can occur in non-breastfeeding individuals, including men.
Symptoms:
- Swollen, Hot, and Painful Breast: Mastitis causes a swollen and painful area on the breast, often accompanied by increased heat.
- Wedge-shaped Lump: A wedge-shaped breast lump or a hard area may develop.
- Burning Pain: Women may experience a burning pain in the breast, either constant or occurring during breastfeeding.
- Nipple Discharge: Discharge from the nipple, which may be white or contain streaks of blood.
- Flu-like Symptoms: Mastitis may also present with flu-like symptoms, including aches, high temperature, chills, and tiredness.
Management and Home Remedies:
Actions to Ease Mastitis:
- Continue Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding should be continued, allowing the baby to feed as long as needed.
- Proper Positioning: Ensure the baby is positioned and attached properly during breastfeeding.
- Warm Compress: Apply a cloth soaked in warm water or take a warm shower/bath to improve milk flow.
- Cold Compress: Use a cold compress (e.g., a cloth soaked in cold water) to soothe breast pain.
- Rest and Hydration: Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and consider over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Things to Avoid:
- Avoid Tight-fitting Clothing: Refrain from wearing tight-fitting clothing or bras until symptoms improve.
- No Aspirin: Do not take aspirin.
- Express Milk Carefully: Express only the necessary amount of milk; avoid excess expression.
- Gentle Pressure: Apply gentle pressure to the breast, avoiding firm pressure.
- Gradual Weaning: If discontinuing breastfeeding, avoid sudden cessation.
Seeking Medical Attention:
Non-urgent Advice:
- Consult a GP if symptoms persist beyond 12 to 24 hours of home treatment or 48 hours after taking antibiotics.
- Seek medical attention if experiencing mastitis without breastfeeding.
GP Treatment:
- GPs may prescribe antibiotics if symptoms persist.
- The minimal amount of antibiotics in breast milk poses no risk to the baby but might cause irritability.
Causes of Mastitis:
- Breastfeeding-Related Causes: Mastitis commonly occurs due to a build-up of milk, often associated with breastfeeding issues.
- Non-Breastfeeding Causes: Mastitis can affect non-breastfeeding women and even men due to factors such as smoking, nipple damage, breast implants, weakened immune systems, and certain grooming practices.
Recurrent Mastitis:
- Recurrent mastitis may indicate problems with breastfeeding positioning and attachment.
- Seeking help from midwives, health visitors, or breastfeeding specialists is crucial for addressing breastfeeding issues promptly.
Additional Resources:
- The National Breastfeeding Helpline (0300 100 0212) is available daily from 9.30 am to 9.30 pm for additional support and information.
By incorporating these concepts, individuals can better understand mastitis, its management, and when to seek medical assistance.
