Breast Infections & Abscesses
Treatment for breast infections, including the abscesses and mastitis that show up during breastfeeding. Early antibiotics often do the job. When drainage is needed, we use the smallest possible procedure.
Treatment for breast infections, including the abscesses and mastitis that show up during breastfeeding. Early antibiotics often do the job. When drainage is needed, we use the smallest possible procedure.
What is breast infections & abscesses?
Breast infections happen most often in women who are breastfeeding (lactational mastitis), but can also occur in non-breastfeeding women, especially smokers. The early sign is a tender, red, warm area that may come with fever or feeling unwell.
Caught early, most cases settle quickly with antibiotics. If a pocket of pus has already formed (an abscess), it usually needs drainage as well — through a needle if small, through a small incision if larger.
Who this is for
- A red, warm, painful area on the breast
- Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
- A firm tender lump that's getting bigger
- Skin breakdown or pus discharge
How it's done
Mild infection
If caught early, oral antibiotics for 7 to 10 days are usually enough. We also recommend warm compresses and (for breastfeeding mothers) continuing to feed from the affected breast — milk drainage helps.
Abscess
If a pocket of pus has formed, we drain it. For small abscesses, ultrasound-guided needle aspiration is enough. For larger ones, a small surgical incision and drainage may be needed.
Recurrent or non-lactational
If infections keep coming back, we look for an underlying cause — duct ectasia, smoking-related changes, or other factors — and treat those alongside the infection.
Recovery & aftercare
Most cases
Patients feel significantly better within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment. The full course of antibiotics should always be completed, even after symptoms settle.
Questions worth asking
No. Continued breastfeeding (or pumping) from the affected breast actually helps — it clears the milk that's contributing to the infection. The milk is safe for the baby.
Related care
All specialitiesProblems in Lactating Breasts
Help with the things that go wrong while breastfeeding: blocked ducts, engorgement, painful feeds, mastitis. Most cases settle quickly with the right plan; we sort out the few that don't.
Learn moreBreast Pain
Breast pain is rarely cancer. It's still worth checking, because the relief of knowing what it actually is matters. We work out the cause and what to do about it in the first consultation.
Learn moreBreast Lump Evaluation
Found a lump and not sure what it is? Clinical exam, ultrasound or mammogram, and a needle biopsy if needed, often in one visit. You leave with an answer rather than a wait.
Learn moreThe first consultation
is the first step.
Most concerns can be settled in a single, considered conversation. Reach out — answers usually come faster than you’d expect.
Hours
CK Birla Hospital
Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 3 PM
Clinic
Mon – Sat: 5 PM – 7 PM
Sunday: 8 AM – 10 AM
Visit
Medical D/C Center, Kalwar Rd,
Jhotwara, Jaipur 302012