User:Mr. Ibrahem/Perichondritis of the ear

Perichondritis of the ear is a type of infection of the outer ear (auricle), specifically the pinna. It typically results in pain, redness, and swelling. Other symptoms may include fever. The earlobe is generally spared. Complications may include a permanent deformity of the ear, known as cauliflower ear.

The most common risk factor is injury to the pinna, such as from high ear piercing. Other risk factors include external ear infections, poor immune function, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The infection most commonly involves Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staph aureus. The underlying mechanism involves inflammation of the perichondrium, the layer surrounding the cartilage of the ear. Diagnosis is based on symptoms.

Treatment includes pain medication, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and removal of ear piercings. Commonly used antibiotics include ciprofloxacin. If an abscess is present this should be drained. With treatment, symptoms should improve in about 3 days, though some discomfort may remain for up to 4 weeks.

Perichondritis of the ear is uncommon. Rates doubled in England between 1990 and 2000 which is believed to be due to an increase is ear piercing. The term come into the English language in the mid 1800s; from the Greek "peri" meaning "around", "chondros" meaning "cartilage", and "itis" meaning "inflammation".