A breast abscess is a painful build-up of pus in the breast caused by an infection. It usually affects women who are breastfeeding.
Bacterial infections usually cause the formation of pus below the skin. When pus forms in the breast it is known as a breast abscess. This condition can be painful and requires antibiotic treatment and/ or drainage to prevent complications.
Breast abscess may be a result of mastitis, which is also known as lactation abscess that affects milk ducts of the nipple in a breastfeeding woman. Mastitis may result when the breast produces more and the extra milk accumulates within the breast.