What is Breast Infection?
Breast infection is also known as mastitis, an infection that is said to occur in the tissue of the breast. They are observed to be common among mothers who breast feed, because the bacteria from the baby’s mouth comes in contact with the soft skin of the breast, thus causing an infection. This kind is also known as the lactation mastitis. It affects the fatty tissues of the breast and can cause soreness, swelling, pain and sometimes lumps. Mostly, breast infection is the result of clogged milk ducts, or simply breast feeding.
What Cause Breast Infection:
The most common cause of the breast infection that you may develop is because of fungus.
Fungal Breast Infection:
Fungal infection is not merely a problem of your breasts alone. They are increasingly uncomfortable anywhere else on your body too. Fungus likes to grow in damp areas. It is caused by a fungus known as Candida and is the same one that causes diaper rashes for your baby. When moisture builds up in your breast, because of improper drying after shower, this is likely to happen. However, you can be relaxed that it is actually rare for breast feeding mothers to experience this.
Not wearing the appropriate fabric of bra can also lead to breast infection. You can also develop breast infection from the bra you use. Always go for cotton bras, those that are specifically meant for nursing. Dry them in sun. When you wear tight bras, you may begin to sweat, thus leading to moisture. Do not clear the ground for the fungus to grow! Self-hygiene is the first step to staying healthy.
Symptoms of Breast Infection:
Before you start to believe it is an infection on your breasts, here are some things you need to check. Look out for these symptoms.
- You may start to experience an abnormal swelling. This means, you will see one breast bigger than the other.
- A constant itch and a tingling sensation is another major symptom of a breast infection.
- You will start to experience a pain when you breast feed your baby.
- Lookout for a palpable and painful lump in your breast.
- Your breast will become tender.
- You will see big lymph nodes in your armpits and sometimes in your neck portion too.
- Watch out for a nipple discharge that has pus in it.
- Warm breast and skin redness is another symptom.
Look out for these symptoms. Do not freak out or stress yourself out unless you are sure it is a breast infection.
Natural Remedies to Treat Breast Infection at Home:
So, what if you have a mild one or you think you may have? Don’t bother to stress out or try to book a doctor appointment instantly. You could try these home remedies first and see how much you actually feel at ease. Check out some of the commonly resorted methods.
1. Warm Compress:
Warmth can kill the fungus. Dip a soft towel in luke warm water and press the warm towel in the affected area. Keep it for about 15 minutes. Repeat this as many number of times you can at any point of the day. Cold press also works. It will relieve the itch if you have or ease the pain of the swelling. Dip a towel in cool water and gently press the affected area with it. Repeat at least four to five times a day for best results and relief.
2. Garlic:
Garlic has antibiotic properties and can thus help get rid of the bacteria or fungus that causes the infection. It also helps to promote faster recovery.
How To Use:
- Eat two cloves of garlic on an empty stomach. Drink it with water or juice if you don’t like to have it raw. However, you can also use this in your diet as extra ingredients, with a pinch higher than any other time.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar has high properties of anti-inflammation and anti-bacteria. This property will effectively fight off the infection causing bacteria or fungus, anywhere on your body. It also contains flavonoids.
How To Use:
- In two parts of water, add one part of apple cider vinegar.
- Using cotton, apply the mix to the affected breast and leave it to rest for about 15-20 minutes.
You can repeat this for about two or three times in day and go on until you get relief from the infection.
See More: Breast Enlargement Pills
4. Cabbage Leaves:
Another big relief will be the cabbage leaf. The leaves will absorb any moisture on your skin thus making it dry and preventing any build-up of infection. They also prove to be soothing on your otherwise swollen and itchy skin. They are also known to provide relief from the clogged milk ducts.
How To Use:
- Refrigerate the cabbage leaves well.
- Place the leaf on the affected area and leave it till it starts to warm up.
Repeat the remedy until you start to experience some relief from the infection.
How Should You Take Care?
Here are some tips to prevent breast infection from happening to you in the first place.
- Empty out your breasts by feeding your baby. Empty the alternate breasts one at a time.
- You can add some saturated food to your diet to help prevent the occurrence of clogged breasts. Try milk or peanuts or even meat liver.
- Do not go for tight bras, one that may restrict your natural flow of milk.
- Follow a specific breast feeding schedule and stick by it for your safety.
Remember, there is no need to worry over this. Some of the symptoms may actually not be a symptom of anything at all. But once you begin to experience serious discomfort, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. You could however, try our home remedies for some instant relief.
