Cellulitis on the Breast: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

Understanding Cellulitis on the Breast

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that can occur anywhere on the body, including the breast area. While usually not serious, it requires prompt treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for cellulitis of the breast.

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin and the underlying tissues. It is caused by bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria enter the skin through cracks or breaks, often in areas that were previously injured, such as the site of a cut, blister, or insect bite.

The term "cellulitis" refers to inflammation and infection of the cells and tissues under the skin. It differs from a superficial skin infection that only affects the top layers of skin.

Signs and Symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms of cellulitis on the breast or chest area include:

• A red, swollen patch of skin that keeps expanding
• Skin in the affected area that feels tight and warm to the touch
• Tenderness, pain, or discomfort in the breast or chest
• Fever, chills, and general fatigue or illness

As cellulitis worsens, symptoms can include blistering, skin dimpling that resembles the peel of an orange, and red streaks extending from the infection site.

Without treatment, the infection may continue to spread rapidly, requiring hospitalization. In rare cases it can enter the bloodstream and become life-threatening.

Risk Factors and Causes

While anyone can get cellulitis, certain factors raise your risk, including:

• Skin trauma - Cuts, burns, bites, surgery on the breast or chest
• Chronic skin conditions like eczema, athlete’s foot, or fungal infections
• Insect or spider bites on the breast
• Weakened immune system due to illness or medication
• Poor circulation in the breasts or chest
• Wearing tight-fitting bras or underwire bras that rub on the breasts

The bacteria that most often cause cellulitis enter the body through small nicks or cracks in the skin. Common entry points include insect bites, tattoos, piercings, cuts and scrapes, burns, surgical wounds, and IV sites or catheters.

Diagnosis

Cellulitis is usually diagnosed based on appearance of the affected skin, as well as physical symptoms. Your doctor may ask about recent injuries to the breast or chest and potential risk factors.

In some cases blood tests or a skin biopsy may be done to determine the exact type of bacteria causing infection. Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan or MRI scan may also be used to diagnose deeper or more severe cellulitis.

Cellulitis or Breast Cancer?

In some cases, cellulitis of the breast or chest wall may resemble inflammatory breast cancer. Symptoms like swelling, redness, and skin dimpling can occur in both conditions.

Your doctor will determine an accurate diagnosis, which is critical for getting proper treatment. If cancer is suspected you will likely undergo imaging tests, breast exam, and biopsy of the affected tissue.

Treatment for Cellulitis of the Breast

Most cases of cellulitis involving the breast or chest are treated effectively with antibiotics, either oral or intravenous depending on severity. Antibiotics fight the infection while helping prevent complications. Commonly prescribed antibiotics for skin infections include:

• Penicillin
• Cephalexin
• Erythromycin
• Clindamycin
• Sulfamethoxazole

In mild early cases an oral antibiotic may be enough. More advanced infections usually require hospitalization for antibiotic IV therapy to bring the infection under control.

In addition to antibiotics, other medical treatments may include:

• Cutting/draining any blisters or abscesses
• Medication to reduce pain, fever and discomfort
• Elevating the affected area to improve blood flow
• Compression stockings if cellulitis is on the lower trunk to prevent swelling

Your doctor will advise how long to continue antibiotics, usually 1-2 weeks, to ensure the cellulitis has resolved.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

For mild cases of cellulitis that haven’t spread deeply into tissues, some home remedies may help provide relief and support healing when combined with antibiotics, including:

• Resting with periodic elevation of the infected breast/chest
• Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen
• Applying cool compresses to the affected skin to reduce inflammation
• Covering any cuts/abrasions with sterile bandages
• Avoiding tight-fitting bras and undergarments
• Gentle skin care of the infected area

Good hygiene and skin care can help prevent recurrence of cellulitis after treatment. It’s important to:

• Keep skin moisturized and well hydrated
• Avoid scratching or touching the healing skin
• Wear loose, breathable clothing over the affected area

Your doctor may suggest antibiotics for future skin injuries or infections to prevent cellulitis returning.

When to See Your Doctor

It’s important to seek prompt medical care if you notice signs of skin infection. Redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness may signal cellulitis. Catching it early makes treatment easier.

See your doctor right away if you experience any of the following more severe symptoms:

• Sudden chills, fever, dizziness or generally feeling unwell
• Flu-like muscle aches and pains
• Red streaks spreading from the wound site
• Pus or oozing discharge from the affected skin
• Swelling, redness that keeps intensifying
• Difficulty moving the limb affected by cellulitis

Rapid worsening of symptoms or cellulitis unresponsive to oral antibiotics requires emergency medical care to stop it from becoming life-threatening.

Preventing Cellulitis of the Breast

While some risk factors for breast cellulitis cannot be avoided, certain lifestyle measures can help reduce your chances of developing this painful skin infection:

• Maintain healthy skin – moisture, manage eczema or fungal infections, avoid scratching insect bites
• Have any signs of infection checked by your doctor
• Practice good wound care if you injure your breast or chest
• Wear properly fitted bras that don’t rub or constrict
• Improve circulation through massage, exercise and staying active

Treatment combined with preventive steps will help minimize recurrence of troubling cellulitis of the breast.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.