Breast Swelling In
Sources:
Papers On Health
A blow on the breast, or the drain of nursing a
child, along with a chill, often produces swelling, sometimes hard and
painful. This, if left uncured, may even develop into an ABSCESS
(see). As it sometimes arises from dirt being left on the nipples,
all nursing mothers should be particular about cleanliness, which
itself prevents many ills.
For cure, bathe the feet in hot water (see Bathing Feet), rub th
m
over with warm olive oil, and wear good cotton stockings if in bed. If
going about, put a pair of woollen stockings over the cotton ones. Rub
the back as recommended above, using first a little hot vinegar, then
the oil. The feet bathing may be every three days, and rubbing the
same. If the swelling does not yield to this, place the patient
comfortably in bed. Put a good-sized basin of hot water, which has been
boiled and allowed to cool so far, tightly under the breast, so that it
may be bathed with a sponge. Do not use too hot water, but just
comfortably hot. Keep up fresh supplies, and bathe for an hour if
patient can bear it. If she becomes fatigued, lay her down to rest for
fifteen minutes or so, and then continue treatment. No poulticing is
needed when this is well done. A thorough heating of the whole breast
is what is wanted; rub gently with olive oil, and cover warmly after
bathing (see Cancer).