Mastitis nonpuerperalis after nipple piercing: time to act.

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature and discuss problems related to post-piercing breast abscesses.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 10 case reports after Medline and internet search regarding breast abscess after nipple piercing.

RESULTS

Nine case reports are published in Medline so far, the first in 1982, but eight within the last 3 years. One abstract of a case report presented at a meeting was found on the internet. Average patient age was 31.2 (15-60) years; 7 female and 3 male. Side of breast infection was 5 right, 4 left, and one both. The interval between piercing and treatment was on the average 20.8 (2-52) weeks, duration of symptoms 1 week to several months. Therapy in 9 patients was antibiotics and in 7 operation. The following major complications were seen: endocarditis, heart valve operation, prosthesis infection, metal foreign body in breast tissue, one reoperation because of recurrent infection, psychological stress because of primary diagnosis of breast cancer in 2 cases.

CONCLUSION

The risks in nipple piercing are obviously under-documented and may be as high as 10-20% in the months after the procedure. Healing of the wound channel can take 6-12 months.