Table of contents:
- What causes red spots on the breasts?
- 1. Mastitis
- 2. Nipple dermatitis or eczema
- 3. Breast abscess
- 4. Rash due to skin disease
- 5. Intertriginosa
- When do you need to see a doctor?
Don't underestimate it if you find red spots on the breasts. Although not all red spots indicate a dangerous condition, some types of breast disease can be started from the appearance of these symptoms.
You don't have to panic right away. Try to identify first what symptoms you feel when the red spots appear. The following is a list of common causes that you may be experiencing.
What causes red spots on the breasts?
Red spots that appear on your breasts can indicate the following conditions.
1. Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation that occurs in the breasts, especially in women who are breastfeeding. The cause comes from the milk that is stuck in the breast, then infection occurs in the area. Breasts with mastitis usually show signs of redness, feel warm, and are painful when pressed.
The symptoms of mastitis often have similarities with the symptoms of breast cancer. In order to confirm your health condition, consult a doctor if you also experience these symptoms.
2. Nipple dermatitis or eczema
Nipple dermatitis causes the skin on the nipple and the dark area around it (areola) to become inflamed. Symptoms include red spots on the breasts and changes in the texture of the skin to dry and scaly. This disease can be caused by a microbial infection, irritation from a baby bite, or an allergic reaction to certain substances.
3. Breast abscess
Women who are breastfeeding are very susceptible to bacterial infections. These bacteria can enter through the nipple, then infect the tissue inside. If it continues, pus can build up in the area of infection, forming an abscess.
4. Rash due to skin disease
Red spots on your breasts can be a symptom of common skin diseases such as:
- atopic dermatitis (eczema) or seborrheic dermatitis
- psoriasis, which is a chronic inflammation characterized by the appearance of red, scaly patches
- candidiasis that comes from a fungal infection
- urticaria (hives) due to food, drugs, weather, or other allergens
- cellulitis, which is the entry of bacteria into the skin gaps, causing swelling, pain, a burning sensation, or red spots on the breasts
- scabies
5. Intertriginosa
Excessive friction between the skin of the breast in the fold area can cause the breasts to become moisturised and cause intertriginosa. Symptoms are a reddish or brownish rash on the breasts accompanied by swelling, itching, and an unpleasant odor.
When do you need to see a doctor?
Red spots on the breast are generally harmless, but they can also be a symptom of more serious illnesses, including breast cancer. Therefore, immediately consult a doctor if you also experience other symptoms such as:
- pain that doesn't go away
- nipple appears to go in
- new spots or rashes appear on the breasts
- breasts change in size, swelling, persistently feel warm, itchy, and / or appear reddish
- there is a change in the surface of the skin of the breast, including the breast appears to shrink
- there is fluid that comes out of the breast
- a red streak appears from the area of the rash
- There is a sore on the breast that doesn't go away
The doctor can perform further tests such as mammography and biopsy to determine the cause of the appearance of the red spots on your breasts.
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