Boils in the breast can be experienced when women are breastfeeding or even women who are not breastfeeding. Handling this condition depends on the underlying situation. Pay attention to the signs and symptoms that accompany it.
Boils can grow in various areas of the body, including in the breast. A boil is a pus-filled lump, which is a liquid containing dead white blood cells. This condition is generally caused by a local infection, which is when the bacteria attacks part of the breast but does not spread to other areas. Besides being a regular infection, boils in the breast can be caused by two conditions that need to be aware of the following.
Subareolar ulcers
Subareolar ulcers or subareolar abscesses in the breast are breast infections experienced by mothers who are not breastfeeding. These pus-filled bumps appear just below the areola, the brown skin around the nipple. Boils in the breast caused by subareolar ulcers cause pain in the areola area. Lumps that appear around the areola can produce pus when squeezed or injured.
If not treated, the infection will form a fistula, which is an abnormal hole from the channel in the breast to the skin. If the infection is very severe, the nipple can be engulfed into the breast tissue. This condition can be accompanied by fever and the body feels unhealthy.
Subareolar ulcers commonly experienced by middle-aged women occur due to blockage in the ducts in the breast that causes infection. Although it can be experienced by anyone, there are groups of women who are more at risk of experiencing it, namely those who smoke, have diabetes, and women with nipple piercing.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a physical examination followed by supporting tests with ultrasound or other imaging tests such as MRI if there is a severe infection or often recurs. Complete blood tests and examination of pus samples are often recommended by doctors. Symptoms of subareolar ulcers are sometimes similar to inflammation of the breast cancer. To determine whether the symptoms of boils in the breast are not malignancies, doctors need to do a biopsy.
Management of Subareolar Ulcers
Subareolar ulcers are treated with antibiotics by a doctor. Surgery will need to be done if the boil continues to appear or if the boils are large. Nipples that are attracted to the breast can also be reconstructed with surgery.
Meanwhile, there are a number of ways to treat this at home that can be done to help reduce aches and pains during your treatment for subareolar ulcers.
- Cold compresses the breast with an ice-covered bag several times a day for 10-15 minutes to help relieve inflammation and swelling in the breast.
- Clean the nipples and breasts with a mild antibacterial soap and be sure to dry them before wearing a bra or clothes.
- Wear soft bra pads to help reduce friction and dry pus.
- Avoid pressing, squeezing, and solving boils in the breast, because it can worsen the symptoms that arise.
Immediately consult a doctor once the infection worsens, marked by symptoms such as the expansion of reddened skin, high fever, weakness, fatigue.
Mastitis in Breastfeeding Mothers
Mastitis is a painful infection of the breast glandular tissue that feels painful and painful. Sufferers can feel flu-like symptoms and fever, with swollen breasts and redness that feels painful to the touch.
Generally, mastitis is caused by the deposition of milk in the milk ducts and eventually triggers a bacterial infection. This condition is motivated by:
- The baby's mouth is not completely attached to the nipple when suckling.
- Babies prefer to suckle on one breast only.
- Breast milk that is not pumped regularly.
However, mastitis can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding if there are open sores on the nipples that allow bacteria to enter the breast ducts. If left untreated, mastitis can also cause ulcers in the breast.
Management of Mastitis
Boils in the breast due to mastitis will be treated by giving antibiotics by a doctor. In addition, below are some steps that can be taken at home to help deal with the condition.
- Feed the baby as often and as long as possible, at least once every two hours to empty the breasts.
- Rest as long and as much as needed at home.
- Breast compresses with warm or cold compresses to relieve swelling. Warm compresses on the affected breast can reduce pain while breastfeeding.
- Consumption of pain relievers that are safe for nursing mothers, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain.
- Massage the breast slowly from the swollen area towards the nipple, as well as from the nipple towards
- Wear loose clothes.
Immediately consult a doctor if a boil in the breast or symptoms begin to feel uncomfortable. Especially if there are symptoms such as discharge or blood from the nipple, the nipple is pulled into the breast, discoloration of the skin around the breast, enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits or around the collarbone.
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