Mastitis FAQs

1. Which doctor should I consult if I develop Lactation mastitis?

Consult a General Surgeon for your treatment.

2. How will you differentiate a swollen breast and a full breast?

Full breast feels hot, heavy and hard with no signs of edema or redness with usual flow of milk from the breast. A swollen breast is enlarged and painful which appears shiny and edematous with red patches.

3. What is bacterial colonization?

When the infant comes in contact with mother soon after birth, the mother transfers the non-pathogenic microorganisms from the skin and respiratory tract which acts as commensal and helps the infant to fight against pathogenic microorganisms.

4. Is it safe to breast-feed the child if I have mastitis?

Yes, it is safe to breast feed when you have mastitis. Breast feeding when a woman has mastitis or breast abscess is important for both the mother and the child. Consult your doctor for doubts concerning continuing breast feeding.

5. What is Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) ?

It is a rare complication, which may occur in children breast fed from Mastitis infected women due to an exotoxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus infection.

6. When does a complication of Mastitis occur?

Complications of Mastitis occur due to delayed, inappropriate or inadequate treatment in women with mastitis, which may result in relapse, or more extensive lesions and even permanent tissue damage. Repeated episodes of mastitis may give rise to chronic inflammation and irreversible distortion of the breast.