What should you know about lupus mastitis?

Lupus mastitis may cause a tender area, firmness, swelling, skin colour change, or a lump. It is different from the more common lactational mastitis pattern, which can involve milk stasis or infection during breastfeeding. Breast pain alone does not identify the cause, and a lump should not be assumed to be lupus. A clinician may consider lupus activity, breastfeeding status, infection, medicines, and other breast conditions before deciding whether imaging or tissue sampling is needed.

Arrange an examination for a new lump, persistent tenderness, redness, drainage, or a change that does not settle. Note when it began, whether it changes with feeding, and whether you have fever or other lupus symptoms. Do not stop lupus treatment without advice. If you are breastfeeding, a lactation consultation can help review positioning, milk removal, nipple injury, and comfort while your medical assessment continues. Use only pain relief that fits your health history and prescribed medicines.

Seek prompt care for fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, pus-like discharge, feeling faint, or becoming generally unwell. Contact your clinician quickly for a firm or growing breast lump, skin dimpling, nipple inversion that is new, bloody discharge, or swollen glands. These signs do not prove a serious diagnosis, but they should be examined rather than watched at home.

Ask whether the findings fit lupus mastitis, infection, breastfeeding-related inflammation, or another breast condition. Ask whether you need imaging, a sample, or lupus activity tests, and which treatment is compatible with breastfeeding if that applies. Ask what change should trigger a repeat review.