Breast infections often are caused when bacteria commonly found on the surface of the skin enter the body through a sore or crack on the breast, usually on the nipple. These infections are more common in women who breast-feed than among those who don't.
Symptoms of a breast infection include pain, soreness and swelling of the breast, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. These symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out a rare type of breast cancer.
If your doctor determines that you have a breast infection, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
To ease soreness, you can apply a warm, damp cloth to the breast several times a day. You should also continue to breast feed or pump to prevent soreness from excess milk.
