Causes
1. Poorly controlled Otitis Externa
2. Abrasions or Lacerations
3. High Ear Piercing (involving pinna cartilage)
  1. Usually within first month of piercing
Organisms
1. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
2. Staphylococcus aureus
3. Streptococcus Pyogenes
Symptoms and Signs
1. Swollen warm, tender, erythematous auricle
2. Pain on deflection of auricle
  1. Differentiates from superficial infection
3. Ear lobule may also be infected
4. Tympanic Membrane not involved
Management
1. Broad antibiotic coverage
  1. Gram Positive Bacteria and Gram Negative Bacteria
  2. Fluoroquinolones cover this well
  3. Intravenous antibiotics may be needed
2. Local antibiotic drops if canal is affected
3. Surgical debridement may be needed
Complications
1. Perichondrial abscess with poor cosmetic healing
2. Necrosis

Family Practice Notebook

Patients should address specific medical concerns with their physicians.

Although access to this page is not restricted, the information found here is intended for use by medical providers.

This page was written by Scott Moses, MD, last revised on 10/21/2007 and last published on 5/10/2012.

This is one of 5737 pages in the Family Practice Notebook