And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:
Breast cancer (Particular women who do not breast- feed)
Male has symptoms
Urgent Referral to Medical Doctor/Hospital (including Inflammatory breast cancer)
Urgent referral is warranted when women who are 50 years of age or older present with nipple discharge or retraction in one nipple only or with any other concerning changes.
Women aged 30 years or older who present with an unexplained breast lump, with or without pain
Women aged 30 years or older who present with skin changes that are suggestive of breast cancer
Women aged 30 years or older who present with an unexplained lump in the axilla
Inflammatory breast cancer
Patients may present with a rapidly enlarging, erythematous (rash) breast without an underlying palpable mass.
Usually, there is a spreading colour change in one breast, typically evolving from pink to darker red in a mottled pattern.
Crusting and retraction of nipples may or may not occur.
Do not wait to see a a medical doctor/Hospital as, inflammatory breast cancer can exist with cancer that can spread to other parts of the body.
This condition can lead to:
Lactation mastitis or puerperal mastitis (breast feeding women)
Periductal mastitis (non-breast feeding women)
Breast abscess (hot, red , swollen breast infection)
Breast feeding women
Breastfeeding your baby when you have mastitis, even if you have an infection, won’t harm your baby and can help improve your symptoms.
It may also help to feed more frequently than usual, express any remaining milk after a feed, and express milk between feeds.
Steps to take stop milk building up in your breasts:
Breastfeed exclusively for around six months, if possible
Encourage your baby to feed frequently, particularly when your breasts feel overfull
Ensure your baby is well attached to your breast during feeds – ask for advice if you’re unsure
Let your baby finish their feeds – most babies release the breast when they’ve finished feeding; try not to take your baby off the breast unless they’re finished
Avoid suddenly going longer between feeds – if possible, cut down gradually
Avoid pressure on your breasts from tight clothing, including bras
NHS Choices
General tips
Obtain salt irrigation wash and/or use a salt water solution (boil normal tap water and then cool down and add salt)- bathe or wash for 10mins-20mins 3 to four times daily) after breast feeding (or express breast milk first and then wash) to relieve soreness and pressure of the nipple.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Mastitis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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