How to treat mastitis and breast pain

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on March 22, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
1min 4sec home-news-image

What's going on with breast swelling, pain, nausea, and vomiting?

Generally considered related to breast hyperplasia. We can confirm the diagnosis through breast ultrasound or mammography, paying attention to exclude the possibility of pregnancy. Breast hyperplasia is characterized by cyclic swelling and pain of the breasts, often occurring or worsening before menstruation and reducing or disappearing after menstruation. Mild cases may go unnoticed by the patient, while severe cases can affect daily life and work. However, some patients do not show obvious cyclic changes, and symptoms might present as unilateral or bilateral breast pain or pinprick-like sensation, possibly extending to the shoulder, upper limbs, or the chest-back area. A few patients may experience nipple discharge. The condition can persist for a long time, but symptoms generally disappear or lessen after menopause. During physical examination, nodular lumps of varying sizes, firm but not hard, may be felt in one or both breasts, sometimes tender when touched.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
48sec home-news-image

What causes breast pain after menopause?

After menstruation stops, if there are symptoms of breast pain and swelling, one should first consider whether it is related to pregnancy, as hormonal changes during pregnancy often lead to such symptoms. Some people experience breast pain and swelling due to ovulation, which is a typical symptom for many before menstruation. Occasionally, ovulation may be delayed, thus delaying the symptoms of breast pain and swelling. Others might experience these symptoms in relation to factors such as excessive staying up late, high stress, or considerable pressure. It is common to undergo hormonal tests and breast ultrasound examinations in such cases.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
47sec home-news-image

Is it normal to have breast pain in the late stages of pregnancy?

In the later stages of pregnancy, it is normal for pregnant women to experience breast pain. This occurs because, in the late stages of pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone increase. Under the combined influence of these hormones, the mammary glands become congested and swollen, further proliferate, and the mammary ducts expand, leading to breast pain. This condition prepares the body for breastfeeding after childbirth. When breast pain occurs, one can use a hot towel to apply heat to the breasts to alleviate the pain. Additionally, it is important to choose comfortable bras daily, avoiding those that are too tight or small, as they can cause compression on the breasts.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
46sec home-news-image

Does vomiting and breast swelling indicate pregnancy?

In the early stages of pregnancy, common symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness, known as early pregnancy reactions, typically appear around six weeks after missed menstruation. Around eight weeks of missed menstruation, due to the increase in estrogen and progesterone, one might experience breast tenderness, but these are not the main criteria for diagnosing pregnancy. The first clinical symptom of pregnancy is missed menstruation. For women of childbearing age with regular menstrual cycles, a noticeable delay in menstruation of ten days should initially prompt a consideration of pregnancy. This can be confirmed through elevated levels of blood HCG, followed by an ultrasound that reveals a visible gestational sac in the uterus to confirm the diagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
40sec home-news-image

Do women experience breast pain during ovulation?

Women experience symptoms of breast swelling and pain during ovulation due to hormonal levels in the body, which is a normal physiological phenomenon and should not be overly concerning. Generally, these symptoms will disappear after ovulation. If the symptoms of breast swelling and pain are severe, it is advisable to promptly visit a reputable local hospital for relevant examinations to determine the specific cause. Under the guidance of a clinician, treatment should be given according to the symptoms. It is recommended that women should rest during ovulation, avoid strenuous exercise, maintain genital hygiene, and wear loose, breathable underwear.