Mastitis is an infection of the tissue
of the breast that occurs most frequently during the time of breastfeeding.
It can occur when bacteria, often from the baby's mouth, enter a milk duct
through a crack in the nipple.
Breast infections most commonly occur one to
three months after the delivery of a baby, but they can occur in women who have
not recently delivered as well as in women after menopause. Other causes
of infection include chronic mastitis and a rare form of cancer called
inflammatory carcinoma.
Chronic mastitis occurs in women who are not breastfeeding.
In postmenopausal women, breast infections may be associated with chronic
inflammation of the ducts below the nipple. Hormonal changes in the body can
cause the milk ducts to become clogged with dead skin cells and debris.
These clogged ducts make the breast more open to bacterial infection. Infection
tends to come back after treatment with antibiotics.
Symptoms
Breast infections may cause pain,
redness, and warmth of the breast along with the following symptoms:
- Tenderness and swelling
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Breast engorgement
- Fever and chills
- Abscess: Sometimes a breast abscess can complicate mastitis.
Noncancerous masses such as abscesses are more often tender and frequently
feel mobile beneath the skin. The edge of the mass is usually regular and
well defined. Indications that this more serious infection has occurred
include the following:
- Tender lump in the breast that does not get smaller after
breastfeeding a newborn (If the abscess is deep in the
breast, you may not be able to feel it.)
- Pus draining from the nipple
- Persistent fever and no improvement of symptoms within 48-72
hours of treatment
Remedies
for Breast Infection (Mastitis)
1.
Massage
When
suffering from mastitis, massage the affected breast. This will help unblock
the plugged milk ducts and relieve swelling. Always massage from the outer
breast toward the nipple in small circles, applying more pressure on the
infected area.
- Prepare a massage oil by mixing
together equal amounts of apricot and wheat germ oil. Use it to massage
your breast using upward strokes. Do this a few times daily.
- Another option is to mix a few drops
of camphor oil in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and use it to massage your
breasts a few times day.
Note: Make
sure to clean your nipples with warm water before breastfeeding your baby.
2. Hot
and Cold Compresses
Both hot and
cold compresses are useful in the treatment of mastitis. While a cold compress
can help reduce swelling and relieve pain, a hot compress helps clear blockage, improve
blood circulation and aid in milk flow.
- Prepare a hot compress by wrapping a
hot water bottle in a thin towel.
- Prepare a cold compress by wrapping a
few ice cubes in a thin towel.
- Now place the hot compress on the
infected breast for 15 minutes.
- Next, apply the cold compress for 5
minutes.
- Repeat the cycle 2 or 3 times.
- Use this remedy as needed.
3.
Cabbage Leaves
Cabbage
leaves are a soothing remedy for inflamed, infected breasts. They contain
sulfur compounds that helps reduce inflammation and swelling. They can also
provide nursing mothers relief from engorgement and clogged ducts.
- Chill a few cabbage leaves in the
refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Place a cold cabbage leaf on the
infected breast.
- When the leaf reaches room
temperature, replace it with a new cold one.
- Do this a few times daily until you
get rid of the infection completely.
4. Garlic
Another good
remedy for mastitis is garlic, which has natural antibiotic properties. It
helps get rid of the bacteria causing the infection. In addition, it boosts the
immune system and promotes quick recovery.
- Eat 2 raw cloves of garlic on an
empty stomach. You can also eat a few more throughout the day. If you do
not like garlic, have it with orange juice or plain water. Repeat
daily for a week.
- Another option is to take garlic
supplements, but only after consulting your doctor.
5.
Echinacea
The herb Echinacea
bolsters the immune system to help the body fight off infections. It
contains flavonoids that offer antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
benefits.
- Apply the tincture of Echinacea root
on the infected area 4 or 5 times every day. Clean the area thoroughly
with warm water before feeding your baby.
- Alternatively, add 3 or 4 drops of the
tincture to a glass of water. Drink it 3 or 4 times a day for not more
than a week.
Note: Avoid
long-term use of this herb.
6. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Another
excellent home remedy for mastitis is apple cider vinegar. Its antibacterial
and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation, fight
infection and prevent it from spreading. It also offers an added energy boost.
- Prepare a solution with 1 part apple
cider vinegar and 2 parts warm water. Apply this solution on the affected
area using a cotton ball. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it
off with warm water. Repeat 2 or 3 times daily until the infection clears.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered
apple cider vinegar and a little honey in a cup of water. Drink it 3 times
daily for 1 to 2 weeks.
REMEMBER
If you have
a breast infection, you may be seen for a recheck in 24-48 hours.
- Take all antibiotics as prescribed.
- Take your temperature three times a
day for the first 48 hours after treatment begins. Watch for fever.
- Call your doctor if you develop a high
fever, vomiting, or increasing redness, swelling, or pain in the breast.
- Follow up with your doctor in one to two weeks to make sure that the infection has gone away. If the infection spreads or an abscess develops, you may require IV antibiotics or surgical treatment.