Breast abscess/mastitis

Question 1

FEATURES

Answer 1

Localised symptoms include a painful, tender, red and hot breast

Systemic symptoms include fever, rigors, myalgia, fatigue, nausea and headache

Normally unilateral and presents 1 week postpartum –> PUERPERAL MASTITIS

Question 2

Mx

Answer 2

Keep breastfeeding (main cause is milk build-up)
Reassure
Explain manual expression
Analgesia + warm compresses (paracetamol/ibuprofen)

IF do not improve after 12-24 hours of effective milk removal of if culture indicates infection –> PO fluclox 10-14 days (most common Staph Aureus)

Question 3

If left untreated

Answer 3

Breast abscess –> fluctuant, tender mass with overlying erythema

Requires incision and drainage