What is a breast abscess?

Definition
What is a breast abscess?
Breast abscess is inflammation (swelling, red) and the appearance of pus in the breast caused by bacteria. In rare cases, a breast abscess may be a sign of breast cancer.

How common are breast abscesses?

Breast abscess is a condition that can occur in about 10 to 30% of cases. Typically, breast abscesses occur in women after pregnancy and lactation. Breast abscess can also occur in women who are overweight, have large breasts, or women who do not maintain personal hygiene.

How common are breast abscesses?
Approximately 10-30% of cases of breast abscess occur in women after pregnancy and lactation. Breast abscess can also occur in women who are overweight, have large breasts, or women who do not maintain personal hygiene.

Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of a breast abscess?
Signs of a breast abscess depend on the location of the abscess, the stage of the disease, and other factors. In the early stages, you can feel the pain in the breast gland. The outer shell can be normal if inflammation occurs inside or may appear red, hot and swollen if located on the surface of the breast.

When the formation of an abscess, symptoms will increase clearly. At that time, symptoms can be skin abscesses become hot, injured, and red swelling. In addition, usually also appears symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, nausea and vomiting.

The most severe complications are breast osteonecrosis with symptoms of infection, severe poisoning: blood pressure, body depression, swollen breast enlargement, edema, pale yellow skin abscess, or necrotic lymph nodes swell and pain.

There may be signs and symptoms not mentioned above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?
You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Redness, swelling or pain in the chest;
• The nipple is drawn inward or fluid out of the nipple;
• You feel pain during breastfeeding.

Immediately go to the doctor if you experience the sign. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can treat you without surgery.

If you have any of the above signs or symptoms or any other questions, consult your doctor. Each person's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause
What causes breast abscess?
Breast abscess is a condition that is often caused by two types of bacteria, namely Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. In addition, other causes such as anaerobic bacteria, typhoid bacillus, and channel blockage in the breast due to scar can also cause breast abscess.

Risk factors
What increases my risk for breast abscess?
Breast abscess may be risky due to the following factors:

• Breastfeeding is not appropriate
• Breastfeeding time is less long so there is a buildup of milk
• Use a bra tightly
• Puting scratched or clawed
• Clogged channels.

Not having risk factors does not mean you will not suffer from this disease. The factor is just a reference. Consult your doctor for more details.

Medication & Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for breast abscess?
If breast abscess is detected early, the disease can be cured with antibiotics without surgery. If detected at an advanced stage, the patient will have a stabbing incision to remove an abscess. However, this approach can lead to complications such as the formation of new abscesses and fistulas from skin abscesses.

What are the usual tests for a breast abscess?

The doctor will diagnose the disease by performing a physical examination or breast tissue biopsy sample for examination. If you have been diagnosed and given antibiotics before, but the situation does not improve, doctors will perform ultrasound to determine the status of your disease appropriately.

Treatment at home
What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a breast abscess?
Breast abscess is a condition that can be alleviated symptoms and conditions. Here are the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you cope with breast abscesses:

• Healthy lifestyle: You should rest, drink plenty of water and consume nutritious foods during therapy
• Always keep clean: You can use a warm and damp towel on the infected tissue
• If you are a nursing mother, always clean your breasts, especially the nipple area. Ideally, you stop breastfeeding until your breast disease is healed

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution of your problem.