From the Research
No, mastitis and breast abscesses can occur both during lactation and outside of the lactational period. While lactational mastitis is more common, affecting approximately 2-10% of breastfeeding women, non-lactational mastitis and breast abscesses can develop in non-breastfeeding women and even in men 1. Lactational cases typically result from milk stasis, often with bacterial infection (commonly Staphylococcus aureus), while non-lactational cases may be related to periductal mastitis, smoking, diabetes, steroid use, or other conditions affecting the breast tissue.
Key Points to Consider
- Treatment for mastitis generally includes antibiotics such as dicloxacillin or cephalexin 500mg four times daily for 7-10 days, adequate breast drainage (continuing breastfeeding if lactational), and pain management 2.
- Breast abscesses require drainage, either through needle aspiration or surgical incision, along with antibiotics 3.
- Non-lactational cases may require investigation to rule out inflammatory breast cancer or other underlying conditions.
- Prompt treatment is essential in all cases to prevent complications such as abscess formation or sepsis 4.
Management and Prevention
- The primary aim of all therapy is a quick reduction of pain to allow continued breastfeeding, if applicable 4.
- Education on preventive measures is crucial for all healthcare workers involved in postnatal care 4.
- Each particular form of breast disease requires a specific therapy, ranging from conservative measures to antibiotics and surgical procedures 4.