Breast Pain in Teens: Care Instructions

Overview

Breast tenderness and pain may come and go with your monthly periods (cyclic), or it may not follow any pattern (noncyclic). Breast pain is rarely caused by a serious health problem. You may need tests to find the cause.

Follow-up care is a key part of your teen's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your teen is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your teen's test results and keep a list of the medicines your teen takes.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor gave you medicine, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve), to relieve pain and swelling. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Wear a supportive bra, such as a sports bra or a jog bra.
• Try applying heat or ice to the area. If you are breastfeeding, use ice. If you are not breastfeeding, you can try heat or ice, whichever feels better. Apply it for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the heat or ice and your skin.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. For many people, walking is a good choice.
• Keep a healthy sleep pattern. Go to bed at the same time every night, and get up at the same time every day.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new changes in a breast, such as:
  • A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit.
  • A change in the breast's size or shape.
  • Skin changes, such as dimples or puckers.
  • Nipple discharge.
  • A change in the color or feel of the skin of your breast or the darker area around the nipple (areola).
  • A change in the shape of the nipple (it may look like it's being pulled into the breast).
• You have symptoms of breast inflammation or infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or a color change on your breast.
  • Red streaks extending from the breast.
  • Pus draining from a breast.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your breast pain does not get better after 1 week.