From the Guidelines
The medical term for an infection of the ear helix is "auricular perichondritis" or "perichondrial abscess". This condition involves inflammation and infection of the cartilage of the outer ear, specifically the curved outer rim (helix) 1. The infection often results from piercings, with up to 35% of people with ear piercings experiencing one or more complication, including minor infection 1. Key characteristics of auricular perichondritis include painful swelling, warmth, and redness in a portion of the auricle that often spares the earlobe 1. Treatment typically includes oral antibiotics such as fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment (eg, ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin) 1. If an abscess is present, surgical incision and drainage may be necessary 1. It's crucial to treat this condition promptly as cartilage has limited blood supply, making infections harder to treat and potentially leading to permanent deformity. Some key points to consider in the management of auricular perichondritis include:
- The most common pathogens (ie, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S aureus, and S pyogenes) often respond well to fluoroquinolone antibiotic treatment 1
- Alternative options for hospitalization will depend on the pathogen and might include clindamycin, ceftazidime, and cefepime 1
- Good cosmetic preservation of the auricular cartilage is difficult to maintain once an abscess develops 1
From the Research
Infection of Ear Helix Medical Term
The medical term for an infection of the ear helix is perichondritis. Perichondritis is a bacterial infection of the cartilaginous part of the external ear, which can cause severe inflammation and potentially lead to permanent deformity if left untreated 2, 3, 4, 5.
Causes and Treatment
The causes of perichondritis include bacterial infections, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being a common pathogen found in suppurative perichondritis 2, 3. Treatment options for perichondritis include antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 2, 3, 5. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to control the inflammation and prevent permanent deformity 4.
Key Points
- Perichondritis is a bacterial infection of the cartilaginous part of the external ear
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen found in suppurative perichondritis
- Treatment options include antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Surgery may be necessary in some cases to control the inflammation and prevent permanent deformity
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid necrosis of the underlying cartilage and permanent auricular deformity 2, 3, 4, 5