Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Sores on Breast

06/06/2011

Question:

I read a question and answer on this topic today, dated almost 5 years ago to the date. What the woman described is exactly to a “T” what I am experiencing. I am wondering if you know any more information or have more experience on this. I have been trying to find out what I have for 5+ years.

I am in my early thirties and with a large chest. I have never experienced sores on my breast before and suddenly I found what in the dark looked like a bruise on my left breast. I went into the bathroom and thought it was just a pimple. I tried “popping” it. It blead and then seemed to be going away and then suddenly I look 2 days later and it got big again and so I began to try and pop it again, and this time lots of dark blood came out and then pus and then clear stuff and light normal looking blood came out. Now I noticed that there is a hole in that spot and its still red around it and it also looked like my skin on that spot just peeled away like nothing. I am afraid of what it is – should I be concerned? Thank you.

Answer:

Thanks for your question. First of all, “popping” something like this isn’t a good idea – it can cause infection to get into your blood stream. If the area needs to be opened, it should be done by a provider under sterile conditions. I’m sure that the redness around it is because you popped the spot twice and it causes some significant irritation at the site.

So, even if it gets bigger again, please don’t try to pop it – get it looked at. I’d suggest some hot soaks three or four times a day, but it will be important for you to see a provider so that s/he can see if it’s infected and if you need medication. It’s also important for a provider to feel the area to see if there is anything else that may need evaluation. Some danger signs for infection will include, continued drainage, bad odor, fever or lumps under your arm.

Without actually seeing and feeling the area it’s very hard to differentiate if it’s an infection or something else. Please get it looked at by a competent professional as soon as possible.

Thanks for taking such good care of yourself by following up and asking the questions! All the best

For more information:

Go to the Women’s Health health topic.