Mastitis in Childhood.

Related entries: Nipples and mastitis: ElTh-links

I was called a short time ago by Mr. C. to see an infant three months old who would cry whenever he was handled as if he was in pain. Upon close examination I discovered that around one of the nipples within an area as large as a half dollar, there was a local inflammation, the tissues being hardened and very sore to the touch. I concluded that the little mammary gland was inflamed, and I made an ointment of polymnia uvedalia and applied this ointment as warm as the child would bear it over the inflamed area. Within a few days all evidence of the disease had disappeared. My own infant was affected in the same manner with the addition that the inflammation involved both of the nipples. I used no other treatment in this case than the uvedalia ointment and obtained perfect results.

W. R. D. NICKOLSON, M. D.

COMMENT: Inflammation of the mammary glands of female infants is not an uncommon condition. It may be induced by cold, by injury, and it occurs from causes unknown. In all the cases I have observed I have not had one come to suppuration nor have I had one that was at all difficult to cure. They are not always accompanied with a rise of temperature. The above treatment is specific and is usually satisfactory. I have depended upon a mild ointment of phytolacca and have given phytolacca and aconite internally if fever was present. The application of heat with the ointment is of service also. The condition occurring with infants or with young girls before the period of puberty can be treated in a general way similarly to the treatment of mastitis in childbearing women.

Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 2, 1908, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.