Mastitis | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of mastitis?
Mastitis can appear suddenly. Symptoms include:
- breast tenderness
- skin redness, often in a wedge shape
- swelling of the breast
- general malaise
- fever of 101 degrees F or greater
What causes mastitis?
Mastitis can occur when bacteria from your skin or your baby's mouth enters a crack in your nipple and multiplies.
Mastitis | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is mastitis diagnosed?
Your physician can confirm that the pain and swelling in your breast is a bacterial infection and will also check that the infection has not turned into an abscess, a complication of mastitis.
What are the treatment options for mastitis?
An antibiotic is prescribed for 10 to 14 days. Be sure the entire course of treatment is finished to avoid recurrence. Mastitis causes some women to wean their baby early. It's important to remember that you should continue to breastfeed. In fact, the affected breast should be kept empty of milk through frequent breastfeeding. Call your physician if flu-like symptoms develop or a fever over 100.4 degrees F.
How we care for mastitis
At Boston Children's Hospital, there are a few programs that provide support for mastitis. You or your daughter may be referred to Division of Gynecology, the Lactation Support Program, and the Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine.
