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 breastfeed 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. Breast infection mostly results from clogged milk ducts or simply breastfeeding.
What Causes Breast Infection:
The most common cause of the breast infection you may develop is 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. This is likely to happen when moisture builds up in your breast because of improper drying after a shower. However, you can be relaxed that it is rare for breastfeeding mothers to experience this.
Not wearing the appropriate bra fabric 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 the 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 pain when you breastfeed your baby.
- Look for a palpable and painful lump in your breast.
- Your breasts will become tender.
- You will see big lymph nodes in your armpits and sometimes in your neck.
- Watch out for a nipple discharge that has pus in it.
- Warm breast and skin redness is another symptom.
Look out for these symptoms. Please do not freak out or stress yourself 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 do you think you may have one? Don’t bother to stress out or try to book a doctor’s appointment instantly. Try these home remedies first and see how much you feel at ease. Check out some of the commonly reported methods.
1. Warm Compress:
Warmth can kill the fungus. Dip a soft towel in lukewarm water and press the warm towel in the affected area. Could you keep it for about 15 minutes? Repeat this as many times as 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. Repeat at least four to five times daily 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 dislike having it raw. However, you can also use this 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-bacterial. 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 about two or three times a day and continue 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 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 your bra in 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 that may restrict your natural milk flow.
- Follow a specific breastfeeding schedule and stick by it for your safety.
Remember, there is no need to worry about this. Some of the symptoms may not be a symptom of anything. But once you experience serious discomfort, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. You could, however, try our home remedies for some instant relief.
