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Purulent mastitis sometimes occurs in newborns, but mostly in nursing mothers – as puerperal inflammation, usually between the 3rd and 6th week after delivery.
How does purulent mastitis occur?
From the cracks and fissures on the skin of the nipple and areola, the infection spreads through the milk ducts into the parenchyma and gland stroma. Insufficient nipple emptying and milk retention contribute to the development of inflammation.
Symptoms of purulent mastitis
Initially, hardening, reddening of the skin, enlargement and soreness of the nipple develop. It is accompanied by high body temperature and chills. A hard and painful infiltrate, over which the skin is hot and red, is sometimes sucked in, more often it softens, creating a reservoir of pus.
Purulent mastitis in nursing mothers – treatment
During the feeding period, it is very important to prevent inflammation by taking careful care of the nipples and protecting them from cracks, as well as strict observance of cleanliness in the care of infants. Washing the nipples with a 3% solution of boric acid or warm soapy water – before and after feeding – emptying the nipple from residual milk allows the nursing woman to avoid inflammation.
Treatment of acute mastitis in breastfeeding women in the initial period of a hard infiltration consists in applying aluminum acetate compresses under the oilcloth, rubbing the skin with petroleum jelly and administering antibiotics, which must be decided by a doctor. Breast ligation is also recommended, preferably with an elastic band. If inflammation persists with this treatment and pus is formed, it must be removed. In the period of treatment of purulent mastitis, the feeding of the sick nipple is stopped. The breast should always be tied high. Patients with numerous abscesses, persistently high temperature and symptoms of general infection should be referred for hospital treatment.