Red breasts - breastfeeding? IBC?

[SearchingTheSkies]

I began breastfeeding for the first time 7 weeks ago. Recently I noticed redness around both areolae. The areolae look normal but the surrounding skin is red particularly at the sides of my breasts. Above the redness is my usual pale skin tone. Identical on both breasts. No pain and skin texture is normal. I've googled and am now panicking that it could be inflammatory breast cancer.

GP has referred me to breast clinic for Wednesday as she's not sure what it might be, though she did say she wasn't too concerned. She previously gave me antibiotics in case it was mastitis but no improvement.

Anyone had something similar? Can't help but worry :(

Is it itchy? IBC related inflammation often itches like crazy.

@GrumpyHoonMain No, not itchy. I'll take that as a positive!

Just thought I'd update. Saw the breast clinic consultant today and she has diagnosed mastitis. I did question this as I've already had antibiotics for mastitis which made no difference. I also thought mastitis would make me feel more ill. I've never had a temperature afaik. However, the consultant seemed pretty certain it was mastitis and not IBC. She sent me for a breast ultrasound to check them over and all looked normal.

I'm very relieved but will only stop worrying completely once the redness shifts. Really hope these new antibiotics work!!

Hey! Did you get rid of this in the end? I have the same and have been so worried.

@SearchingTheSkies

@Newmum8912 hi - yes the redness did eventually go away but it took months! I went back to the breast clinic twice because I felt they'd got the diagnosis wrong as the antibiotics weren't working. Anyway, the redness slowly faded and looking back now I'd say it was inflammation due to being new to breastfeeding, latch not being quite right and low level mastitis. I was convinced it was something awful, but pretty sure now that that was my sleep deprived new mum brain talking!
Have you been to your gp? I hope you can get some reassurance.

Yes I have been referred to the breast clinic to check for cancer, really hoping I Have the same experience as you. Thank you for updating, it’s nice to see someone have a positive end!