Breast abscess

Understanding

One type of breast infection that can occur in women is breast abscess. Breast abscess is a condition where there is an infected lump in the area just below the skin. The infected lump contains pus or pus.

Swelling and pus is a result of local infection, which can be caused by bacterial invasion of these parts of the body. Breast abscess is most common in women aged 18 to 50 years.

In addition, it can also occur in women who are breastfeeding (more often occurs on the edge of the breast, especially at the top and outside) and those who do not breastfeed (more often occurs in the middle of the breast, under the areola or dark colored parts around nipples.

Cause

Breast abscess can occur in women who are breastfeeding or women who are not breastfeeding.

In women who are breastfeeding, bacteria can attack the breast through the nipple while breastfeeding, or through a gap in the nipple or areola (dark areas around the nipple. The blocked duct can also cause infection in the breast or mastitis, which can develop into an abscess breast if you don't get immediate treatment.

In women who are not breastfeeding, breast abscesses can result from injury to the breast, injured nipples, diabetes or weakness in the body's resistance, or nipple piercings. Women who have a history of breast implant surgery are also at risk of developing breast abscesses.
 

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of breast abscess can be:

1.     Lumps or swelling accompanied by pain in the breast
2.     Breast pain involved
3.     Redness and warmth in the part of the breast involved
4.     Fever

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of breast abscess is generally done through medical interviews and physical examination. If a breast abscess is suspected, the doctor can also do an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) of the breast or take pus from the lump to determine the type of infection.
 

Handling

Treatment of a breast abscess can involve:

• Use of antibiotics. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics that are generally needed to treat infections that cause breast abscesses. The most common type of bacteria causing breast abscess is Staphylococcus aureus.
• Surgical procedure. The pus found in a breast abscess needs to be drained. Most breast abscesses can be drained using a needle and local anesthetic to anesthetize the skin before the needle is inserted.

Drainage with needles can also be done with the help of ultrasound, to determine the position of the abscess and direct the needle to the right area. Larger abscesses can require incision and drainage surgery.
 

Prevention

To prevent mastitis and breast abscess while breastfeeding, there are various efforts that can be done. Some of them are:

• Ensure that the attachment of the baby's mouth and breast is right while breastfeeding.
• Ensure that bras and clothes are not too tight.
• Maintaining breast hygiene by rinsing it daily using soap and water.
• After breastfeeding, wipe the nipples and areola with sterile cotton dipped in warm or cold water.
• Use the cream prescribed by the doctor on the nipple and areola to prevent injury.