[Mastitis puerperalis]

Mastitis puerperalis may result either from a blocked mastitis or through bacteria. In rare cases it can originate from a candida infection. Physical measures are initially taken to treat blocked mastitis. Treatment for bacterial mastitis depends upon the expected range of pathogenes, and is therefore primarily treated with cephalosporides. For candida infections, nystantin is the first choice of treatment. Where conservative treatment for suspected mastitis does not lead to an improvement within 24 hours, antibiotics must necessarily be introduced. If, despite these measure, an abscess begins to form, this can be punctured if the patient is protected by antibiotics. Surgical intervention is only necessary in exceptional cases, where the abscess needs to be split open and a loop fitted. Bromocriptin is not suitable for treating mastitis if the mother wishes to continue breastfeeding.