From the Research
For breast fold infections in the UK, the recommended approach is to first clean the area with mild soap and water, keeping it dry afterward, and consider using moisture-wicking textiles within skin folds to reduce skin-on-skin friction and wick away moisture, as suggested by the most recent study 1.
Key Recommendations
- For mild infections, topical antibiotics like fusidic acid cream applied 3-4 times daily for 7-10 days are typically prescribed.
- For more severe infections, oral antibiotics such as flucloxacillin 500mg four times daily for 7-14 days are recommended, with clarithromycin 500mg twice daily as an alternative for those with penicillin allergies.
- Patients should also wear supportive, non-underwired bras, avoid skin-to-skin contact by using cotton or absorbent materials between skin folds, and maintain good hygiene.
Importance of Hygiene and Skin Care
The importance of keeping the area clean and dry cannot be overstated, as moisture trapped in the breast fold can create an environment for bacterial growth, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, as noted in various studies 2, 3.
Monitoring and Follow-up
If symptoms worsen or don't improve within 48 hours of treatment, patients should seek medical attention, highlighting the need for close monitoring and follow-up in the management of breast fold infections.
Limitations and Future Directions
Despite the availability of some guidance, there remains a lack of clear, evidence-based guidelines for the management of breast infections, including breast fold infections, as highlighted by studies 2, 4, 5, underscoring the need for further research and the development of standardized protocols to improve patient outcomes.