To ask if breast abscess is an emergency or can wait?

[werebackon]

I’ve developed a huge abscess on my breast, it’s really large and swollen and hot, spreading to my nipple which is now rock hard too. I don’t think it’s ready to burst, but I’ve been feeling really poorly all day and not sure if it could be something to do with it.

Almost my entire breast is red and hot and swollen and really hurts to touch.

Not breastfeeding or recently pregnant, and I have had abscesses before but not like this one.

I’d rather go to the doctors tomorrow but my friend is saying A&E - where I don’t want to be on New Years Day!

Anyone had this experience? Would it be fine to wait? And any tips on dealing with the swelling and pain other than ibruprofen as I can’t take this?

I hope you went for treatment op.

Hi, I had huge abscesses when I was breastfeeding my son. It started with one but it spread very quickly to other sites around my breasts and my back. I would go to A&E as there is a sepsis risk. They can put you on IV antibiotics. Wear a very comfortable bra or vest. No wires that press on your skin. Hope you feel better soon.

Another one saying A&E or at least out of hours GP.

Oh get to A and E! I had an abscess on my knee in December, dithered for a week before going to GP, then his antibiotic didn’t work after another week, so I ended up admitted via A and E and was put on a drip for 4 days a week before Christmas.

Holy christ, a&e now. Spreading infection.

Pack your phone charger, a water bottle, your kindle and some snacks. Just be prepared to wait - this could lead to sepsis. Go now!

@werebackon i had one right under my nipple, it was huge, red and so bloody painful. I went to the GP who sent me straight to A&E. I was put on IV antibiotics for 24 hours and then sent home with some antibiotics. I had to go back a week later to check it was going away, or to go back sooner if there was no improvement. They were concerned about sepsis and infection spreading. Definitely go and get it seen to asap x

If you've not left, or have a pen if you have, draw around the edge so you can show how it's spread since X o'clock.

Hope you're in A&E and don't have to wait too long. That looks very painful

Ouch, I had this and needed IV antibiotics for a week. Please go to A and E.

How are you this morning OP?

Hope you got seen OP and you're on the mend now.

Hi, I think I have an abscess on my breast but I went to the drs today and they said skin infection? It is very painful And I can hardly move