When the gland that secretes milk is injured by a blow, or any other mode of external injury, or exposed to cold or damp, inflammation is apt to ensue; the same result may be connected with the secretion of milk.

Symptoms

There are symptoms of general febrile disturbance, attended with pain and swelling in the part; and, if during the suckling period, with diminution and arrest of the secretion. In favourable cases, these symptoms subside, and the gland returns to its natural state; but matter generally forms and an abscess is established. The matter comes to the surface and points slowly; and is more liable to pervade a considerable portion of the gland than to be circumscribed.

Treatment

Aconitum * and Belladonna should be given alternately when there is febrile disturbance; when the part is hard, knotted, tender, and hot; and when the secretion of milk is arrested.

* For the dose of these medicines, consult the "Introductory Remarks".

Mercurtus should be given instead of the last two medicines when they fail to arrest the progress of the disease.

Hepar sulphuris, or Silicea, is indicated when the inflammation goes on to the formation of abscess.

Fomentations are useful in assuaging pain, and poultices of linseed meal should be used to bring the matter to the surface.