Breast infections can be a result of quite a few issues, from bacterial issues to breast feeding clogs causing mastitis. Before you can get to the bottom of a breast infection, you first need to confirm there’s an infection at play, which you’ll need a doctor for. We asked experts what signs of breast infections indicate that you should make an appointment ASAP.
“I tell my patients to call if some simple home remedies do not improve their symptoms. This would include an appointment if the mass doesn’t go away within 24 to 48 hours,” says New York OBGYN Dr. Kameelah Phillips. “If the pain increases in severity or the redness swells, don’t wait at home. Be sure to contact your doctor and be seen as soon as possible.” For more signs that you should see a doctor, read on.
Featured experts
- Dr. Kameelah Phillips is a board-certified OBGYN and the founder of Calla Women’s Health in New York
- Dhivya Srinivasa, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast expert in Thousand Oaks, CA
Aches, pains and a fever
“My most common phone calls about breast infections are the complaints of a deep aching pain or tenderness in the infected breast. They often report a distinct lump or mass in the breast that is painful to touch that is not going away,” says Dr. Phillips. “These signs, in combination with fever and chills, are probably the most common tell-tale signs of a breast infection. Generally, you feel pretty bad when dealing with a breast infection. Total body aches and significant fatigue are really common.”
“The pain often starts as a vague throbbing pain, but with time will become sharp as the nerves in the breast also become inflamed from the infection,” says Thousand Oaks CA plastic surgeon Dhivya Srinivasa, MD. She notes that fever and malaise are general, common signs of an infection that shouldn’t be ignored. “If you develop a high fever or chills, you should also be evaluated to make sure that the infection is not spreading to your blood,” says Dr. Phillips.
Redness and heat
Dr. Philips notes that patients often notice redness and swelling at the initial site of infection. Additionally, as the infection spreads, you may notice more redness of the skin that can also feel ‘hot’ to the touch, adds Dr. Srinivasa. “The skin can be red and inflamed, and the surrounding skin is swollen or engorged. The breast often feels hotter than the breast that is not infected,” says Dr. Phillips.
Skin dimpling
“Every now and then, patients may complain of dimpling skin like an orange peel, or there may be a painful circular lump where the infection has collected into an abscess,” says Dr. Phillips. This kind of skin dimpling, referred to as peau d’orange, should definitely call for a check-up.
Swelling
“Breast infections often first present with swelling and pain prior to any visible signs on the outside,” says Dr. Srinivasa. So be cognizant of any discomfort or changes in your breast that may set off alarms in your head.
Nipple discharge
Although Dr. Phillips says she doesn’t often see nipple discharge, it’s possible it could come with a breast infection. She notes it can be yellow, green and even more rarely bloody. “Ongoing nipple discharge should have you see your doctor,” she urges.
