A skin boil, also known as a furuncle, is a common ailment brought on by an infected hair follicle. It appears as a painful, swollen red bump.
A breast boil can develop if bacteria infect a hair follicle on the breast. Sweating, an ill-fitting bra, and frequent rubbing can all raise the risk of breast boil development. This article will go through breast boils’ signs, causes, and remedies.
Why Does A Breast Boil Develop?
Breast boils are a fairly common condition, caused by a rogue hair follicle that becomes infected by bacteria.
Boils, including a breast boil, are most frequently caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, also known as a “staph” infection. Moreover, excessive sweating, constant clothing friction, or a chronic skin condition (more on that later), are all contributing factors.
Although breast boils commonly develop in areas of friction, such as beneath the breasts or between the breast and armpit, it still can develop in any area.
What Does A Breast Boil Look Like?
The delicate pink bump on your breast may look familiar if you’ve ever experienced boils or furuncles.
A boil is typically a swollen mound under the skin that hurts to the touch or when your clothing or underwear rubs against it. Sometimes, it also feels painful when you move. As pus builds up inside the lesion, the boil typically gets bigger. It needs attention, as large breast boils may require surgical drainage by a doctor.
Typical breast boil symptoms include:
+ Tiny bulge or lump
+ A pinkish-red hue
+ White or yellow center
+ Clear, white, or yellow liquid flows or weeps
Other symptoms vary from person to person. And these might include:
+ Fever
+ Unwell feeling
+ Itching on or around the boil
+ The skin around the boil may be swollen or itchy.
How To Manage And Treat Breast Boils
If properly managed, a boil frequently opens and drains on its own.
Keep the region clean and refrain from picking or squeezing your breast boil. This is because these can worsen the irritation, swelling, and infection.
In order for a boil to drain, apply a warm compress many times per day. The reason behind is this brings the pus to the surface. Boils must have the pus removed in order to heal.
Important: Don’t pop your boil because it will eventually open and begin to drain naturally.
For home remedies, keep the following things in mind:
+ Clean up the area with warm water.
+ Never reuse towels or washcloths without first giving them a thorough cleaning.
+ Sweaty garments should be removed as soon as possible.
+ After any activity, try to take a bath or at least wash the affected area.
+ Avoid wearing tight clothing that can rub on the boil as much as you can.
+ Use a supportive bra made of breathable material
+ Apply a topical antiseptic with doctor’s advice
+ Take over-the-counter pain medicines for pain.
Keep your boil bandaged after it begins to drain to prevent infection from spreading. Moreover, recommendation also includes seeing a doctor if your boil doesn’t start to drain after two weeks, as this might indicate that you need surgery.
Surgical treatment may involve lancing and draining pus. In addition, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
How To Prevent Having A Breast Boil
To prevent boils on the breast, wear a properly fitting, breathable bra and keep your breasts dry and clean. You can also try using an electric razor instead of plucking or tweezing your breast hair to prevent ingrown hairs that could become infected.
Never share personal items with others, such as towels or razors. This is because bacteria can be transferred from one person to another. Whenever you touch your breast boil, wash your hands with antibacterial soap.
If It’s Not A Breast Boil, What Could It Be?
A lesion under or around your breast may not be a boil. If you’re unsure about your condition, visit your doctor to have it diagnosed. Conditions that are similar in appearance include:
+ Folliculitis
+ Suppurative hidradenitis
+ Cysts
+ Pimples
Key Takeaways
Breast boils develop when bacteria invade a hair follicle, causing the area to become infected, painful, and red. Eventually, the pus may ooze from the boil or need to be surgically removed. For any skin condition, remember that seeking consultation with a doctor is the best course of action.
