Mycosis of the breast most often develops when the natural bacterial flora in the body is disturbed. The fungus that attacks in such situations is Candida albicans. If mycosis of the breast is suspected, the baby should not be fed. However, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible and start treatment.

Mycosis of the breastis a problem that affects mainly breastfeeding mothers, but not only. Its first symptom may be long-lasting pain in the nipples. Breast mycosis most often develops when the natural bacterial flora in the body is disturbed. The fungus that attacks in such situations is Candida albicans.

In many cases, it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of infection. It is known, however, that the multiplication of fungi is favored by long (e.g. several weeks) taking antibiotics, especially when no protective drugs are taken.

Antibiotics destroy not only pathogens that have attacked the body, but also cause sterilization of the body, which should be understood as the destruction of the natural bacterial flora.

Improper nutrition is also considered an important cause of mycosis, i.e. providing the body with too little vitamins and minerals that help build the correct composition of the bacterial flora in the body.

Mycosis of the breast - symptoms

Mycosis of the breast (nipple) can develop when:

  • woman after caesarean section takes antibiotics
  • is breastfeeding a baby who is taking antibiotics
  • will develop vaginal mycosis
  • woman uses hormonal contraception

Mycosis of the breast - symptoms

The most common symptoms suggesting mycosis of the breast include:

  • stabbing breast pain
  • breast burning
  • breast itching
  • characteristic appearance of the skin - redness, shine, peeling of the epidermis
  • sometimes the skin on the breasts looks normal, but it doesn't mean there is no infection
  • There may be white lumps on the nipples and areola that do not disappear after rubbing the skin with water
  • nipple infection is very often accompanied by vaginal mycosis

With mycosis of the breast, the symptoms may vary in severity. Once the fungus has reached the tubulesmilk, the pain and burning sensation will be stronger. It is also important that breastfeeding will be very unpleasant for a woman. In this case, contact your doctor or midwife for help as soon as possible.

Mycosis of the breast - treatment

Treatment of breast mycosis should be initiated as soon as possible so that the mother can return to natural breastfeeding.

Treatment usually involves the use of an antifungal agent, often in the form of an ointment. The treatment should be carried out for two weeks.

It is also important to implement appropriate measures to protect the woman from reinfection. It is about the proper hygiene of the mother and baby as well as proper nutrition.

The ointment recommended by your doctor should be applied to the breast after washing the breast after feeding. This procedure is also important so that the ingredients of the ointment do not penetrate the child's body.

Breast care is also important as it facilitates and speeds up recovery.

Wash your hands thoroughly after each time you go to the toilet or change your baby.

Pumping equipment, bottles, teats, etc. must be kept perfectly clean. If there is no other way to disinfect them, boil them for about 10 minutes. Merely pouring boiling water over it is not enough.

Your breasts need to breathe, so it's best not to wear a plastic bra.

Nursing pads should always be dry. They should be changed frequently so that wet skin is not a breeding ground for fungi.

You have to put on a clean and fresh bra every day.

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Mycosis of the breast - complications in a child

A mother's fungal infection can spread to her baby. If this happens, the child will have:

  • white spots on the oral mucosa called thrush (palate, gums, tongue, inside cheeks) that look like milk residue but start to bleed when you try to remove them
  • inconspicuous eczema on the baby's buttocks may also suggest colonization of the mother's organism by fungi
  • the baby's anxiety and irritation resulting from irritation of the mucosa while trying to suckle

The treatment of a child consists in administering nystatin suspension to rinse the child's mouth (palate, gums, inner surface of the cheeks 3-4 times a day). Brushing should be repeated aftereach feed.

The same preparation is recommended to be applied to the skin of the nipple and areola of the mother's breast. The treatment usually takes 10-14 days.

Proper care of the baby's perineum is also important to prevent the spread of fungi. This area should be lubricated with a suitable preparation, and a starch should be used for washing, and also frequently ventilated, i.e. leave the child without a diaper on.

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About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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Female diseases