Breast Problems

Home Treatment

Breast self-exams are a simple way for you to learn what your breasts normally feel like. During a breast self-exam, you examine your own breasts to look and feel for changes from one month to the next. You will learn how your breasts feel and what is normal for you so that you can spot any changes early. For more information about how to do a breast self-exam, see the topic Breast Self-Examination.

Medicine you can buy without a prescription

Try a nonprescription medicine to help treat your fever or pain:
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn Aspirin (also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as Bayer or Bufferin

Safety tips

Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use a nonprescription medicine:

Carefully read and follow all directions on the medicine bottle and box. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Do not take a medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past. If you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take it. If you are or could be pregnant, do not take any medicine other than acetaminophen unless your doctor has told you to. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to.

Alternative medicines or supplements may help relieve breast tenderness, discomfort, or pain (mastalgia). As with all alternative medicines and supplements, it is important to follow the directions on the label. Do not exceed the maximum recommended dose. If you are or could be pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking any medicine or supplement.

• Evening primrose. Some studies have shown that when taken on a regular schedule, evening primrose relieves breast pain. For more information, see the topic Fibrocystic Breasts.
• Magnesium. Some studies have shown that magnesium reduces mild premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention, which may be the cause of premenstrual breast tenderness. For more information, see the topic Fibrocystic Breasts.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• A change in a breast develops, such as:
  • A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit that is new or unusual and does not go away after your monthly period.
  • A change in the size or shape of your breast.
  • Skin changes, such as a dimple or pucker in the skin of the breast.
  • Discharge or bleeding from the nipple that comes out without squeezing the nipple.
  • A change in the shape of a nipple (retraction or inversion of a nipple).
  • A change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast or the darker area around the nipple (areola).
• A breast lump develops in a man.
• Symptoms of a breast infection develop.
• A breast infection does not improve after 3 to 4 days of medical treatment.
• Symptoms of a breast infection return after medical treatment.
• Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 3, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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