General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
A red, hot and painful area of the breast during breastfeeding deserves advice from your doctor or midwife. Inflammation can develop into an infection: do not book only a preventive health appointment for this problem.
Pain alone cannot establish the cause. Cracked nipples, engorgement and inflammation are different problems. Having a professional observe your baby’s position and a feed may help explain some breastfeeding pain.
To explain the difficulty, note whether pain occurs during feeds or between them too. Describe burning, itching, redness or pain spreading into the breast without deciding for yourself that it is a fungal infection.
If breast candidiasis is suspected, a professional needs to confirm the diagnosis. Do not apply gentian violet on your own or buy it online: this product can pose a risk to your nursing baby.
If candidiasis is confirmed, the doctor chooses suitable treatment. They also check whether your baby needs treatment, particularly if there is oral thrush. Pain that persists despite treatment calls for another consultation.
After returning home, your midwife and maternal and child health services can also support breastfeeding difficulties. Ask whom to contact and what follow-up to arrange; Mon bilan prévention replaces neither this assessment nor care after childbirth.
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Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.