(B)- Lactational Mastitis Flashcards
What can mastitis be caused by?
Obstruction
Regular expression can help prevent this
Infection
Most common cause is Staphylococcus aureus
How does mastitis present?
- Breast pain and tenderness (unilateral)
- Erythema in focal area of breast tissue
- Local warm and inflammation
- Nipple discharge
- Fever
How is mastitis managed?
Conservative
If due to blockage
- Continued breastfeeding
- Expressing milk
- Breast massage
- Heat packs and warm showers
- Analgesia
Antibiotics
If conservative not effective
- Flucloxacillin, erythromycin if allergic to penicillin
- Fluconazole for suspected candida infections
Should breastfeeding be continued in mastitis?
Yes
Infection will not harm the baby and will help to clear by encouraging flow
Where breastfeeding is difficult, they can express milk
What can occur if mastitis is not treated adequately?
Breast abscess
What can cause of candida of the nipple?
Often after antibiotics
What does candida of the nipple lead to?
Recurrent mastitis
Causes cracked skin on nipple
What is candida of the nipple associated with?
In the infant
Oral thrush
Candida nappy rash
How does candida infection of the nipple present?
- Sore nipples bilaterally, especially after feeding
- Nipple tenderness and itching
- Cracked, flaky or shiny areola
- Symptoms in baby
How is candida of the nipple treated?
Both mother and baby need treatment or it will reoccur
- Topical miconazole 2% to nipple after each breastfeed
- Oral miconazole gel or nystatin for baby