Most acute mastitis occurs within the first 4 weeks of postpartum lactation. I. Etiology and pathology The retention of milk in the lobules of the breast makes it easy for bacteria to multiply locally and then spread to the breast parenchyma. Bacteria can also invade through breaks or cracks in the nipple surface, causing inflammation of the breast. The symptoms of systemic toxicity such as high fever and chills are often present at the onset of the disease. The affected side of the breast increases in size, hardens locally, the skin becomes red, there is pressure and throbbing pain, and the axillary lymph nodes on the affected side are often enlarged. Treatment Antibiotics are used for the whole body. Stop breast-feeding on the affected breast, while sucking out the milk with a breast pump, holding up the breast with a breast shield, and applying local hot compresses or ichthyolipid ointment externally. When an abscess is formed, it should be incised and drained in time. Prevention Keep both nipples clean during the pre-breastfeeding and breastfeeding period. If there are nipple inversions, the nipples should be gently squeezed out and cleaned. The actual fact is that you will be able to get a lot more than just a few of these. If the nipple is damaged or cracked, breastfeeding should be suspended and the milk should be sucked out with a breast pump, and then breastfeeding should be done after the wound has healed.