Cold packs can be applied for comfort after a feed. Paracetamol can be taken as needed. When treated promptly the blocked duct should be cleared in 24 to 48 hours. Untreated it can lead to mastitis. The affected area is reddened, hard, hot and extremely painful.
Onset can be gradual or sudden.
Non-infective, which occurs when a foreign body inflammatory reaction occurs following leakage of milk into the surrounding tissue from a blocked milk duct. Pus is not found in the milk as the infection is outside the ductile system. Adenitis where infection occurs within the ductile system. Pus may appear in the milk but systemic symptoms are less severe. The most common form of mastitis is cellulitis.