The Facts About Perichondritis

Perichondritis is the condition where the skin around the perichondrium of the ears becomes inflamed or infected. The perichondrium is the area of fibrous connective tissue found between bones and joints. The skin surrounding the ears’ perichondrium is called the pinna. When this area becomes infected or damaged, it can lead to recurring issues if not treated properly. This condition results typically from wounds such as ear piercings, insect bites, burns, and surgeries. People with compromised immune systems or inflammatory disorders are more likely to develop and suffer from reoccurrences of perichondritis.

Commons Signs and Symptoms of Perichondritis

People suffering from perichondritis report experiencing:

-Swelling and redness of the ear
-Earaches and pain around the area
-Infections, abscess, and production of puss
-Body aches, pain, and fever

In severe cases, the infection can spread to other areas in the body, worsening symptoms.

Treatment Options for those Suffering from Perichondritis

Perichondritis is a complicated issue with many variables; in the end, a medical specialist must evaluate and create an adapted treatment for each case as it is presented. The severity of the condition has to be considered as well as the overall health of the patient. Sometimes a culture has to be taken to determine how nasty the infection is. For mild bacterial infections, oral antibiotics will clear up the symptoms. Removal is required for cases involving a foreign object, like splinters or an abscess. In extreme cases, antibiotics can be given intravenously, or hospitalization may be suggested. Once an infection becomes genuinely awful, it can affect the tissue in the area and cause damage to cartilage and other soft tissues. While a rare occurrence, only a certified plastic surgeon can remedy deformations that result from advanced perichondritis. It is vital that doctors and patients need to understand the facts associated with perichondritis to determine the best treatment.