Perichondritis is an infectious disease that attacks the tissue around the cartilage of the outer ear. This tissue, also known as the perichondrium, serves to provide nutrition and protect cartilage.
Perichondritis often occurs in people who have diabetes or a weak immune system. If treated too late, perichondritis will cause ear deformities that become cauliflower-like or also known as cauliflower ear.
Recognize the Causes of Perichondritis
The main cause of perichondritis is bacterial infection Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterial infection generally occurs as a side effect of an ear piercing that penetrates the cartilage (the upper part of the earlobe).
In addition to the side effects of ear piercing, there are several other factors that can also increase the risk of perichondritis, including:
- Insect bites
- Injuries during sports, such as boxing
- Injury due to surgery on the ear
- Burns on the earlobe
- External ear infection (otitis externa)
- Autoimmune diseases, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Symptoms of Perichondritis
The main symptoms of perichondritis are:
- Painful
- redness
- Swelling in the earlobe
In severe cases, perichondritis can cause fever, discharge from the ear, and deformity of the ear. Meanwhile, in cases of recurrent perichondritis, symptoms that can occur are:
- Earlobe looks droopy (floppy ear)
- Sudden hearing loss
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Balance disorders
- Fluid coming out of the ear
- Middle ear infection
Perichondritis Treatment
Generally, perichondritis can be recognized immediately after the doctor asks for complaints and examines the condition of the ear. However, if the symptoms have been recurring, your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist to determine if the perichondritis is triggered by an autoimmune disease.
How to treat perichondritis needs to be adjusted to the cause and severity of the symptoms. The following are some medical treatments that can help treat perichondritis:
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are often prescribed by doctors to eradicate the bacteria that cause perichondritis. Prescription antibiotics can be taken orally or applied topically, depending on the severity. Be sure to finish the antibiotics thoroughly so that the bacteria are completely destroyed.
2. Steroids
In cases of perichondritis caused by an autoimmune disease, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone. This drug works by suppressing the immune system response, thereby reducing inflammation.
3. Incision and drainage
If there is an abscess or collection of pus on the earlobe, the doctor will generally perform a drainage incision, which is to make a small incision in the earlobe to remove the pus in it.
4. Operation
If perichondritis causes cauliflower ear, the doctor will recommend plastic surgery to restore the ear to its original shape. In this case, the patient may also be referred to a plastic surgeon.
Perichondritis can be a severe condition even if the cause is simple. Therefore, always anticipate this condition by maintaining the cleanliness and health of the ears.
In addition, avoid piercing the earlobe, especially those that are installed without a sterilization procedure first. If at any time you experience an injury to the earlobe, immediately consult an ENT doctor to get the right treatment so that perichondritis does not occur.
