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Overview
Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue.
An abscess may need drainage.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayFever, chills, or red streaks.
See a doctor soonPain lasting more than a day.
Causes
Causes include milk buildup and bacteria.
OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause red, warm, painful breast while breastfeeding. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- MastitisOften needs care today
An inflamed or infected breast, most often while breastfeeding.
Less likely causes
- Inflammatory breast cancerOften needs care today
A rare, fast-growing breast cancer that blocks lymph vessels in the skin.
What you can do at home
- Keep breastfeeding.
- Use cold packs.
- Rest.
Medicines
Ibuprofen; antibiotics if needed.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Symptoms
The exam
A breast exam.
Tests
- Ultrasound if lump
Prevention
Prevent buildup.
- Feed often
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.