What is a breast abscess?

A breast abscess is a painful build-up of pus within the breast tissue caused by an infection. This condition often affects women who are breastfeeding (lactational mastitis), but it can also occur in non-breastfeeding women due to other underlying causes. At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we are here to provide you with expert care and guidance if you are experiencing symptoms of a breast abscess.

What causes a breast abscess?

Breast abscesses develop due to bacterial infections, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Common causes include:

• Blocked milk ducts: Milk ducts can become blocked during breastfeeding, leading to infection.
• Nipple trauma or piercings: Cracked nipples or nipple piercings can introduce bacteria into the breast tissue.
• Smoking: Smoking can impair the immune system, increasing the risk of breast infections.
• Underlying conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or hormonal imbalances can make you more susceptible to infection.

By identifying the cause of your breast abscess, we can provide tailored advice to promote healing and prevent further complications.

What are the symptoms of a breast abscess?

If you have a breast abscess, you may notice the following symptoms:

• A painful lump: A hard, swollen area in the breast that is tender to the touch.
• Redness and warmth: The skin over the abscess may appear red and feel warm due to inflammation.
• Nipple discharge: Pus or other fluids may leak from the nipple.
• Fever and chills: You may develop flu-like symptoms as your body fights the infection.
• Swelling and discomfort: The affected breast may feel swollen and heavy.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice promptly to prevent the infection from worsening.

Treatment for a breast abscess

The most effective treatment for a breast abscess is incision and drainage, a minor surgical procedure to remove the pus and relieve pain. This procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia and ensures quick relief and healing. For more information, visit our breast abscess incision and drainage page.

In addition to drainage, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the underlying infection and prevent further complications. Our team will guide you through the process and provide support to ensure a smooth recovery.

Can a breast abscess be prevented?

Although not all breast abscesses can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and keep your breasts clean and dry, especially during breastfeeding.
• Treat nipple injuries promptly: Use nipple creams or soothing products to prevent cracks or irritation.
• Breastfeed regularly: Feeding or expressing milk frequently can help prevent blockages in the milk ducts.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of infection and delay the healing process.

If you are breastfeeding and experiencing any issues, our team can provide practical advice and support to reduce your risk of complications.

Why choose Birmingham Breast Clinic?

At Birmingham Breast Clinic, we are committed to providing expert, personalised care to help you address breast health concerns with confidence. When you choose us, you benefit from:

• Expert team: Our specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and managing breast conditions, including abscesses.
• Personalised care: We understand that every patient is unique, and we tailor our approach to suit your individual needs and circumstances.
• Supportive environment: From your first consultation to follow-up care, we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Contact us

If you are experiencing symptoms of a breast abscess or have concerns about your breast health, contact Birmingham Breast Clinic today to arrange a consultation. Our friendly team is here to provide expert care and reassurance, helping you feel confident about your health and well-being.