Causes of a Subareolar Breast Abscess
A subareolar breast abscess has been traced to a blocked duct or gland inside the breast. This blockage can further lead to an infection under the skin.
The condition is more common in women who are between the ages of 18 and 50 years and are breastfeeding.
Nonlactating women can also have subareolar breast abscesses, risk factors include:
- If you smoke
- If you have diabetes [2]
- If you have obesity [3]
- If you have a nipple piercing
Mastitis
Even though most breast abscesses occur in lactating people who are breastfeeding. Subareolar breast abscesses are more common in people who are not breastfeeding.
Mastitis [4] is a condition similar to a subareolar abscess. It is a type of breast inflammation that results in swelling and redness in the breast area during lactation.
Mastitis is in most cases due to an infection, but it can also be noninfectious. It can be a result of the milk duct getting clogged. Mastitis can lead to breast abscess if left untreated.
Your doctor will need an ultrasound to avoid mistaken mastitis for breast abscess.