Breast cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection on the breast. Symptoms can include inflammation, a rash, and warmth. Antibiotics are the main treatment for breast cellulitis.

It is possible for breast cellulitis to spread to other parts of the body. To reduce the risk of this and the development of abscesses in severe cases, a person must seek urgent medical advice as soon as they have concerns.

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When breast cellulitis develops, a person may notice an inflamed rash around the bottom of their breast that feels warm to the touch.

The rash may appear red or pink on lighter skin tones or purple, brown, or another dark color on darker skin tones. It can spread quickly to other areas of the body.

In severe cases, a person may develop a breast abscess. Abscesses are areas where pus collects. If these form, a doctor will typically need to drain them.

A person may also develop flu-like symptoms, such as chills and fever.

Breast cellulitis occursTrusted Source due to a bacterial infection. The most common bacteria include Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

People may develop cellulitis due to other strains of bacteria if they:

Risk factors for breast cellulitis may include:

Atopic dermatitis may also increaseTrusted Source a person’s risk of developing breast cellulitis due to increased Staphylococcus aureus colonization.

Is breast cellulitis contagious?

Cellulitis is a deep tissue infection, so a person cannot pass it to someone else. However, the bacteria that can cause cellulitis may pass from one person to another.

If this bacteria can reach the deeper layers of tissue, such as through a cut or insect bite, a person may develop breast cellulitis.

To reach an accurate diagnosis, a doctor may begin by taking a complete medical history and asking about the person’s symptoms.

They will also examine the area and may look for the presence of at least two out of fourTrusted Source clinical signs. These are:

Specific tests are typically unnecessary for diagnosing breast cellulitis. However, doctors may recommend imaging tests for people with febrile neutropenia and blood tests for those with the following:

  • immune system issues
  • animal bites
  • an immersion injury, which results from water exposure
  • signs of systemic infection

A doctor will typicallyTrusted Source prescribe antibiotics, such as cephalexin (Biocef) or clindamycin (Cleocin), to treat the streptococcal species of bacteria. Antibiotic regimes may last a minimum of 5 days.

If an abscess develops, the doctor may recommend either draining the pus by making an incision or using a needle to aspirate (draw out) the infection.

People may need hospitalization with intravenous (via an injection into the veins) antibiotics if the following situations apply:

  • they have signs of systemic infection
  • they have no improvements with outpatient treatment
  • they have a weak immune system
  • they cannot take oral medications
  • they have erythema that quickly progresses

Without treatment, breast cellulitis can lead toTrusted Source the following complications:

Seeking medical treatment as soon as there are concerns about breast cellulitis can help reduce the risk of complications.

A person may not be able to prevent all cases of breast cellulitis from occurring, but they can take steps to help reduce the risk. These may include:

  • wearing a cotton bra or a cotton T-shirt under a bra
  • keeping the area clean and dry
  • thoroughly washing and drying the area at least twice each day
  • not using lotions, talcum powders, or creams in areas prone to the infection

People with larger breasts may find relief from frequent breast cellulitis through breast reduction surgery. A doctor can advise whether they recommend breast reduction surgery and provide other tips for reducing the risk of breast cellulitis.

Is cellulitis linked to cancer?

Surgery or radiation therapy, which could occur as part of cancer treatment, may increase a person’s risk of cellulitis.

Is cellulitis linked to hygiene?

Cellulitis is a type of bacterial infection that affectsTrusted Source deep tissues when bacteria can reach them, potentially through a break in the skin. Adequate hygiene may help prevent cellulitis.

Is breast cellulitis the same as mastitis?

Breast cellulitis is a type of bacterial infection that affectsTrusted Source deep tissues in and around the breast. Symptoms can include inflammation.

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that may involve a bacterial infection.

Breast cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can occur on or under the breast. It can spread quickly and requires antibiotics to treat and help prevent complications.

People at higher risk include those who have had breast surgery or radiation and those with a larger breast size. Those with other underlying conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, may also have a higher risk of developing cellulitis.

It is best to contact a doctor as soon as a person experiences symptoms of breast cellulitis. A doctor can often diagnose the condition based on symptoms, including skin discoloration, swelling, warmth, and tenderness.