Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » How do you treat non lactational mastitis at home?

How do you treat non lactational mastitis at home?

Understanding Non-Lactational Mastitis
Non-lactational mastitis is a condition that can affect women who are not breastfeeding, often resulting in painful inflammation of the breast tissue. Unlike the more commonly known lactational mastitis, which typically occurs during breastfeeding, non-lactational mastitis can arise from various factors, including bacterial infections, clogged ducts, or even trauma to the breast. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area, and in some cases, it can lead to the formation of abscesses if not treated properly.
Home Treatment Options
While it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms, there are several home remedies and self-care strategies that can help alleviate the discomfort associated with non-lactational mastitis.
1. Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. The heat promotes blood flow and can assist in draining any blocked ducts. A simple method is to soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it on the breast for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
2. Massage: Gentle massage of the affected breast can help relieve discomfort and promote drainage. Using your fingers, apply light pressure in a circular motion around the inflamed area. This can help to break up any blockages and encourage fluid movement.
3. Cabbage Leaves: A traditional remedy involves using cabbage leaves, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Simply take a few leaves, wash them, and chill them in the refrigerator. Once cool, place them on the affected breast and leave them on for a few hours or overnight.
4. Hydration and Rest: Staying well-hydrated and getting plenty of rest is crucial for recovery. Drinking fluids helps to flush out toxins and supports overall health, while rest allows your body to heal.
5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions.
6. Essential Oils: Some people find relief using essential oils, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, which may have antibacterial properties. Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and gently massage it into the affected area. However, it’s important to perform a patch test first to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While home treatments can be effective for mild cases, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience severe pain, fever, or if the swelling does not improve within a few days, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected or recommend further treatment options.
In summary, non-lactational mastitis can be managed at home with a combination of warmth, gentle massage, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. However, awareness of when to seek professional help is vital to prevent complications and ensure a swift recovery.

How to clear up mastitis naturally?

Turmeric is a known anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown that it can eliminate mastitis, usually in three to five days. Use turmeric cream or lotion on the affected area two times a day. My husband makes a very nice turmeric salve with cocoa butter, olive oil and turmeric.

Can you treat mastitis on your own?

Rather, the inflammation needs to be decreased in order for the milk to flow better. At-home treatment for inflammatory mastitis includes: Ice: Use an ice pack or a frozen bag of vegetables to reduce swelling while laying on your back so the swelling drains into your lymph nodes. You shouldn’t apply heat.

How do you get rid of non-lactational mastitis?

Mastitis treatment might involve:

  1. Antibiotics. If you have an infection, a 10-day course of antibiotics is most often needed. Take all the medicine.
  2. Pain relievers. You can try a medicine available without a prescription such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).

Is non-lactational mastitis rare?

Nonlactational mastitis is similar to lactational mastitis, but it occurs in women who are not breastfeeding. In some cases, this condition happens in women who have had lumpectomies followed by radiation therapy, in women with diabetes, or in women whose immune systems are depressed. This condition is rare.

What feels like mastitis but isn’t?

A breast injury or breast infection, called mastitis, may cause skin color changes, swelling and pain. Inflammatory breast cancer can easily be confused with a breast infection, which is much more common. It’s reasonable and common to first be treated with antibiotics for a week or more.

What can be mistaken for mastitis?

Inflammatory breast cancer is often confused with an infection of the breast (mastitis). Mastitis is common in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your GP might give you a course of antibiotics if they think that your symptoms could be due to mastitis.

How to get rid of a clogged milk duct when not breastfeeding?

Reduce inflammation

  1. Put ice or gel packs on breasts. Use them for 10 minutes each hour.
  2. Do not do deep massage of your breast. Use gentle, light touch massage.
  3. Take medications that help reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen.
  4. Take sunflower or soy lecithin to help with plugged ducts.

How to tell the difference between a clogged milk duct and mastitis?

Plugged duct symptoms progress gradually, and can include pain, a hard lump, a warm and painful localized spot or a wedge-shaped area of engorgement on the breast. Mastitis symptoms appear rapidly and include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and body aches.

What are the three stages of mastitis?

What Are the Stages of Mastitis? There are no stages, but the severity of the mastitis and symptoms is gradient and depends on how progressed the infection is.

What not to do with mastitis?

If your baby does not feed from the affected breast, or it is too painful to feed, hand express to remove the milk. Avoid pumping if possible, as this could damage your breast and nipples. Try not to remove more milk than your baby needs.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

Leave a Comment