Mastitis Flashcards
What is mastitis?
Infection of the breast
What is mastitis caused by?
Bacteria entering the duct through a break in the nipple of the skin
What bacterial commonly causes mastitis?
Staphylococcus aureus
Who is most commonly affected by mastitis?
Breastfeeding women (1 in10)
What is mastitis associated with?
Smoking
Puerperal period
How does mastitis present?
Redness of the breast
Mastalgia (breast pain)
Malaise and fever
What is the management of mastitis?
Flucloxicillin
When should mastitis be treated?
If systemically unwell
If nipple fissure present
If symptoms do not improve after 12-24 hours of effective milk removal
How long should flucloxacillin be given for mastitis?
10-14 days
What can happen if mastitis is left untreated?
May develop into a breast abscess
What are nipple fissures?
painful cracks on the skin of the nipple and areola
