How to treat mastitis and breast pain

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on March 22, 2025
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For breast pain caused by mastitis during milk engorgement, we can use hot compresses and massage to fully expel the milk. Locally, a 25% magnesium sulfate poultice can be applied for 20 minutes, three times a day. After breastfeeding, cold compresses can be used to reduce the pain caused by milk engorgement. In cases of mastitis, it is important to keep the nipple clean, frequently washing with soap and warm water. Before and after breastfeeding, the nipples can also be washed with 3% boric acid solution. For inverted nipples, gently squeeze out the nipple before cleaning. However, it is not advisable to wipe with ethanol, as ethanol can make the skin of the nipple and areola brittle, leading to fissures. Develop good breastfeeding habits, feed at regular intervals, ensure the milk is fully drawn each time, and if not, manually express or use a breast pump to remove the milk.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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What tests should be done for breast pain?

Breast pain is generally considered to be caused by breast hyperplasia. It usually occurs or worsens before menstruation and decreases or disappears after menstruation. In this case, it is recommended to have a breast ultrasound, which generally shows uneven low echo areas. If cysts are formed, anechoic areas will be reported. You can also undergo a mammography X-ray examination, which often shows ground glass-like or cotton wool-like shadows. If financial conditions allow, further breast MRI examination can be conducted to more accurately determine the benign or malignant nature of the condition.

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Written by Wu Shi Ting
Breast Health Department
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What causes breast pain before menstruation?

In clinical practice, I often hear complaints from female friends that they experience breast tenderness before menstruation. What exactly is the cause of this? Mild breast tenderness may be due to hormonal changes in the body, which is a normal physiological condition. Of course, it could also be caused by diseases, such as the most common fibrocystic breast change, which is associated with cyclical breast pain during the menstrual cycle. There are also other diseases that can cause cyclical breast pain, and it is important to pay attention to them. Especially in cases of severe pain, or when even light touch causes significant discomfort, we recommend visiting a hospital for relevant examinations as soon as possible.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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Frequent urination and breast pain, is this pregnancy?

Frequent urination and breast pain are not necessarily symptoms of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the forward tilting of the uterus presses on the bladder, which can cause frequent urination. Breast pain generally occurs around the eighth week of pregnancy due to an increase in estrogen and progesterone, promoting the growth of mammary ducts and tissue. However, these are not exclusive symptoms of pregnancy. To confirm pregnancy, detection through blood and urine HCG tests, as well as ultrasound scans can be used. For blood HCG levels, they can be detected as elevated about ten days after intercourse, and urine HCG can be detected about 14 days after intercourse using a pregnancy test. Around six weeks after missing a period, an ultrasound can determine if there is any pregnancy tissue in the uterus.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Is breast swelling and stabbing pain cancer?

Breast swelling and stabbing pain are generally not manifestations of cancer, but typical symptoms of breast hyperplasia. During a physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes can be felt in the breast, which are tough but not hard, and sometimes tender to touch. Ultrasound examination shows no lumps and no flocculent patterns on the molybdenum target, which can be diagnosed as breast hyperplasia. However, it is important to be cautious as breast hyperplasia and breast cancer can coexist. On one hand, patients with significant hyperplasia should have strengthened follow-up examinations. On the other hand, for patients with significant hyperplastic lumps or unclear boundaries in the thickened areas of the breast, it is recommended to perform a biopsy on the suspicious lesions to prevent misdiagnosis.

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Written by Wang Xiu Mei
Obstetrics
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What causes breast pain after pregnancy?

In early pregnancy, hormonal changes occur in women's bodies, with increased levels of estrogen and progesterone leading to breast tenderness. This usually eases over time and is a normal physiological condition. Regular prenatal check-ups should be within normal ranges. If the discomfort is severe, it could indicate an abnormal condition, and it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. It is recommended to rest well, relax, maintain a cheerful mood, and ensure adequate sleep. Dietarily, avoid raw, cold, spicy, and stimulating food. Refrain from smoking, excessive drinking, and other unhealthy habits. Opt for a light yet nutritionally balanced diet, consume fresh fruits and vegetables, and eat smaller, more frequent meals. During the first three months of pregnancy, it is still necessary to supplement with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.