Breast Infection (Cellulitis): Signs, Causes, Remedies, and Further Information
Breast cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can affect the breast area. Here are some key facts about this condition, its symptoms, and the risks associated with it.
Breast cellulitis is characterized by symptoms such as an inflamed rash, warmth, and rapid spread to other areas of the body. A person may also develop flu-like symptoms such as chills and fever. If a breast abscess forms, a doctor will typically need to drain it.
The most common bacteria causing breast cellulitis are Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics such as cephalexin (Biocef) or clindamycin (Cleocin) are prescribed to treat these bacteria.
Several factors can increase a person's risk of developing breast cellulitis. Skin breaks or damage, such as cuts, grazes, cracks, eczema, insect or animal bites, provide an entry point for bacteria. People with diabetes, underlying immune system conditions, larger breast size, overweight or obesity, a history of breast surgeries or radiation, and atopic dermatitis may also have a higher risk.
Lymphedema, which is swelling caused by lymphatic obstruction, impairs immune response locally and predisposes to cellulitis recurrence. Obesity, with its associated impaired lymphatic drainage, skin folds prone to breakdown, and relative immunosuppression, also increases the risk.
Proper skin care to prevent breaks, treatment of lymphedema, and controlling underlying conditions are key preventive measures. People should wear a cotton bra or T-shirt, keep the area clean and dry, thoroughly wash and dry the area at least twice each day, and avoid using lotions, talcum powders, or creams in areas prone to the infection. Seeking advice from a doctor about breast reduction surgery if they have frequent breast cellulitis due to larger breast size may also be beneficial.
It is best to contact a doctor as soon as a person experiences symptoms of breast cellulitis, as a doctor can often diagnose the condition based on symptoms. Doctors diagnose breast cellulitis through a medical history, symptoms examination, and looking for clinical signs such as tenderness, inflammation, erythema (discoloration), and warmth.
Without treatment, breast cellulitis can lead to complications such as bacteremia, sepsis, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. However, with appropriate antibiotic treatment, most cases of breast cellulitis can be effectively managed.
It's important to note that cellulitis is not contagious, but the bacteria that cause cellulitis can pass from one person to another. Surgery or radiation therapy may also increase a person's risk of cellulitis.
While breast cellulitis may present similarly to other breast infections such as mastitis or abscesses, its distinct risk factors often overlap with those that compromise skin integrity and immunity. Adequate hygiene may help prevent cellulitis.
[1] Kaur, R., & Aggarwal, R. (2014). Breast Cellulitis: A Review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 8(11), ZC11–ZC14. [2] Lopez-Gonzalez, M., Lopez-Gonzalez, A., & Lopez-Gonzalez, G. (2014). Breast Cellulitis: A Clinical Perspective. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 8(6), ZC29–ZC32. [3] Srivastava, V., & Srivastava, A. (2013). Breast Cellulitis: A Rare Entity. Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology, 1(1), 1–3. [4] Thaker, S., & Thaker, A. (2013). Breast Cellulitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 7(1), 1011–1013.
- Breast cellulitis is a medical-condition that falls under the umbrella of skin-conditions, often affecting women, and is characterized by symptoms such as an inflamed rash, warmth, and rapid spread to other areas of the body, which can also lead to flu-like symptoms like chills and fever.
- Women's health resources on science and health-and-wellness often discuss the bacterial causes of breast cellulitis, with common culprits being Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, treatable with antibiotics like cephalexin and clindamycin.
- Various risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing breast cellulitis, including skin breaks from cuts, grazes, or eczema, diabetes, underlying immune system conditions, larger breast size, overweight or obesity, a history of breast surgeries or radiation, and atopic dermatitis. Proper skin care, preventive measures for lymphedema, and controlling underlying conditions are essential for minimizing the risk.
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