What should you know about mastitis in non-pregnant woman?

Mastitis can cause a hot, red, swollen, or painful breast, sometimes with a firm area, nipple discharge, fever, or chills. Pregnancy is not required for these symptoms. Irritated skin, a blocked duct, piercing, infection, or an inflammatory breast condition can be involved. A breast lump is a common presentation of mastitis and other breast conditions, so a lump should not be interpreted as proof of any single diagnosis.

Book an appointment for a new breast change and mention that you are not pregnant. Do not squeeze a lump or nipple discharge. Keep any broken skin clean, choose comfortable support, and use a cool compress wrapped in cloth if it eases pain. Tell the clinician about medicines, recent procedures or piercings, smoking, diabetes, and whether pregnancy has been ruled out, as these details guide the evaluation.

Get prompt medical advice for fever, chills, rapidly worsening redness, pus, severe pain, or feeling faint or very unwell. Arrange follow-up if treatment does not improve the area, or if a lump, nipple discharge, skin thickening, dimpling, or nipple inversion persists. Emergency services are appropriate for confusion, collapse, or difficulty breathing.

Ask whether the examination suggests infection or another cause, whether imaging is needed, how symptoms will be monitored, and which changes should trigger earlier review.