Management of Recurrent Breast Abscess

Definitive Treatment

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends definitive surgical excision of the abscess cavity along with the involved lactiferous duct to prevent further recurrence, as incision and drainage alone results in nearly 100% recurrence rates, particularly in the inner breast location 1
Broad-spectrum antibiotics covering Staphylococcus aureus and oral flora should be administered during the perioperative period, with appropriate options including clindamycin or a cephalosporin plus metronidazole combination 2

The duration of antibiotic treatment should be 5-10 days following definitive surgical excision 3, 4

Inferior breast and perianal/vulvar locations have higher recurrence rates even after wide excision, reinforcing the need for complete excision of all involved ductal tissue rather than limited procedures 1