Lactational mastitis

The most common type of breast infection, lactational mastitis occurs when a woman is breastfeeding. Her nipples become cracked and sore, allowing bacteria from the baby's mouth to enter the ducts and rapidly multiply in the milk. Occasionally, infection also arises from a blocked milk duct. In both cases, the breast becomes hard, reddened, hot, and painful.

Care: Your physician may suggest trying to unblock the duct with warm compresses and massage, or may prescribe antibiotics for infection or an analgesic for pain. In some cases, lactational mastitis progresses and forms an abscess – a more serious condition that may require drainage.

Nonlactational mastitis

Nonlactational mastitis is similar to lactational mastitis but occurs in nonbreastfeeding women. Though rare, this condition is sometimes found in women who have had lumpectomies followed by radiation therapy , in women with diabetes, or in women whose immune systems are depressed.

Inflammation in the nipple or breast can also result form infections stemming from nipple piercing, when pins or their entry or exit sites are not kept clean and when the pin causes irritation of the nipple.

Care: Same as for lactational mastitis.

Subareolar abscess

Chronic subareolar abscess is the second most common breast infection, although it occurs infrequently. Once believed to be a blocked duct, physicians now believe that the glands that make sebaceous material around the nipple become infected. When this occurs, an abscess can form.

Care: If the infection is detected early, before the abscess forms, it can often be treated with antibiotics. More often, it is necessary to make an incision and drain the abscess.