Overview
Milk buildup can lead to inflammation or infection.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Red, painful breast
- Red, warm, painful breast while breastfeeding
- Breast pain or tenderness
Less common
- Fever
- Flu-like aches
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayFever with a red breast.
See a doctor soonSymptoms lasting a day.
Causes
Milk buildup.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Breastfeeding
Possible complications
- Breast abscess
Diagnosis
A clinician examines the breast.
Treatment
Rest and keep feeding.
Self-care
- Feed normally
- Use cold packs
- Rest and drink fluids
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relievers | Pain and swelling | Ask first if you have kidney, stomach, or heart problems. |
| Antibiotics | Infection | Prescription. |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN) or a breast specialist.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Clears with care.
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.