Painful breast with red streaks

[E19897]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently nursing my 14 month old and this evening I’ve noticed that my breast is very sore with red streaks coming from the nipple. I’ve been breastfeeding for 6 years and have had recurrent mastitis in the past. Consequently, a couple of years ago I was given a course of flucloxacillin by my GP to have ready when the next bout arrived…but it didn’t…until this evening.

Given my symptoms this evening, would I be silly to just start the antibiotics? I really can’t face going to a and e and feel okay at the moment. The antibiotics are in date.

Thank you from a desperate lady at 11pm on a Saturday evening x

I don't see why you wouldn't? That was what they were prescribed for! Feel better soon.

I think if you're also going to access medical advice asap, and the antibiotics are in date and you have never had a reaction to them then yes, I think it would be sensible to start them until you get someone to look at it.

Does it look similar to your last bout of mastitis. Are you happy with how to treat at home until you get to see someone and where to go and seek help if you feel worse?

Thank you! I’m just not sure if I should wait to be more symptomatic. The previous times, it was a big red lump rather than streaks.

Only problem…I’ve just got the packet out again and misread the expiration date. It’s June 24! I had a look online and this means that they have to be used by the end of May! Argh!

They will be fine, they don't stop working the second the expiration date draws near.

Good point! Thank you x

@E19897 to me, the streaks are more concerning than a red lump. In fact, without actually seeing your boob, I would encourage you to seek medical advice asap. Do you feel well in yourself?

Thank you. Strangely I feel okay - just a bit run down and a slight headache. I saw the out of hours GP this morning who advised that I stop the antibiotics and wait to feel poorly (he thinks it’s a clogged duct). I just really don’t want to get really poorly and think starting the antibiotics last night is how I’ve kept the fever etc away.

The doctor didn’t really do much apart from look at the skin. No real feel of the lump, no temp check etc. Last time I went from fine, to really poorly within an hour so that’s my current fear

@E19897 how are you feeling now, OP? Did you manage to unclog the duct throughout today?

Hi @USaYwHatNow thank you for checking in. I’ve been taking the antibiotics as well as ibruprofen and paracetamol. There is still a hefty lump behind the nipple which doesn’t seem to be shifting. The breast is still very red in this area. I’ve nursed as normal and baby seems to be swallowing when feeding. I’m not sure how long to wait for another opinion but still feel okay.