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Furunculosis, Ear
Medical Questions » Furunculosis, Ear
| Name: Furunculosis, Ear |
| Also known as: |
| A boil that involves a hair follicle in the outer canal of the ear. |
Causes of Furunculosis, Ear
Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (the golden staph) invade the roots of the fine hairs in the ear canal, often after an injury to the ear canal from a cotton bud, hair pin or other foreign object. |
Symptoms of Furunculosis, Ear
An excruciatingly painful swelling that may completely close the ear canal. If the infection is deeper, there may be less swelling and only a patch of redness on one side of the ear canal. The pain is aggravated by chewing and may spread to the lymph nodes on that side of the neck. Eventually it may burst and discharge pus. |
Tests for Furunculosis, Ear
A swab is taken to culture the particular bacteria that is causing the infection, and to select the correct antibiotic. Furuncles are more common in diabetics and in cases of recurrent infection, tests should be done to exclude any other disease. X-rays are occasionally necessary to ensure that surrounding bone has not been damaged. |
Treatment for Furunculosis, Ear
A wick (thin ribbon of cloth or tiny material tube) soaked in an antibiotic and soothing ointment is gently placed in the ear canal and changed every day or two. A course of antibiotics by tablet or injection is also given. Scratching the ear canal with any object is forbidden. Heat can help relieve the pain.
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Complications of Furunculosis, Ear of its treatment
Most furuncles burst spontaneously, but some deep-seated infections may form an abscess that must be lanced to drain the pus. Rarely, the infection can penetrate to bone and from there to the sinuses or brain. |
Likely Outcome of Furunculosis, Ear
Most respond well to appropriate treatment. |
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