Redness hot on side of breasts. (Photos)

Question

I've had a BR 2.5 weeks ago. I contracted a staph skin infection on my face and neck. Not breasts. I have had these red hot patches in the side of both breasts. One worst. I'm on antibiotics for the skin and it is clearing up. My doc has given me 6 needle penicillin antibiotics. I'm onto number 4. The have lessened the redness but it is still hot and sore. Pictires attached

Richard Zinn, MBChB, MMED, FRACS · Answer

Hi there,

I am sorry to hear of your post operative recovery following your breast reduction. It is unusual to develop a staph infection of your face and neck following a breast reduction.  It is also unusual to develop erythema (redness) of the breast at this stage of your recovery.

A few things I would consider:
First, have your surgeon review the appearance of the breasts and rule our a seroma or a haematoma.  The other options are dermatitis or rash from your dressings and a drug allergy.

Your staph infections are unusual and if they are recurrent (if you have had these before), or get them again, you should consider if you have a heavy bioburden of staph and look into having a 'staph clearance'.  This entails a drug regimen of prolonged antibiotic, muporocin to the nose, chlorhexidine to axilla, groin and hair.  Cut nails short.  This can reduce staph carriage and future staph infections.

Good luck and I hope things settle down.  Your breast reduction does look like a good result (ignoring the redness).

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about about the problem you are experiencing.  Online consultants will not be of much specific help to you; close follow up with your plastic surgeon will be key.   Having said that, consideration may be given to broadening your antibiotic coverage, given the slow response you have seen.  Sometimes, a "drainage" procedure is necessary ( if an underlying suture or unhealthy area of tissue is involved).  Not to confuse matters ( probably not relevant to your case),  but I have I seen situations where an infection is not present;  the area of redness along the breast reduction flaps is related to venous drainage delay (the redness resolves with time and without antibiotics).  As you can see, much will depend on close clinical follow-up and treatment based on clinical findings.  Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with longer term.

Redness hot on side of breasts. (Photos)

Answers (2)

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