Juxta-areolar mastitis.

The clinical picture of juxta- or subareolar mastitis is presented in 21 patients, whose data were compared with those of 111 patients with other forms of non-specific abscess-forming mastitis. The causal importance of ductectasia, obstruction of the collecting ducts, foreign-body reaction around particles of keratin and the possible role of anaerobic micro-organisms have been evaluated. The results were had after an expectant policy for spontaneous closure, employing only antibiotics and drainage procedures. Favorable results are achieved only after a combination of partial nipple excision and drainage.