There are two common types of perichondritis: bacterial or infectious and autoimmune.
This article will focus primarily on bacterial perichondritis.
Without proper and prompt treatment, perichondritis can cause a permanent cosmetic change.
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In its beginning stages, perichondritis looks similar tocellulitis.
Your healthcare provider will take a thorough history to identify any risk factors listed above and examine your ear.
Perichondritis is most commonly brought on by the bacteriumStaphylococcus aureus.
If your healthcare provider suspects an abscess, a small incision will be made to drain the pus.
Your healthcare provider may then pack the area that was drained with antibiotic-coated gauze or ribbon.
If packing is used, your healthcare provider will set up a follow-up appointment to remove the packing.
Over time, the ear will heal on its own without sutures.
Regardless of the presence of pus, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics for you.
Augmentin or cephalexin are common antibiotics prescribed to treat perichondritis.
Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics are prescribed to be taken orally or given intravenously.
Preventing Perichondritis
Sometimes perichondritis cannot be prevented, such as in the case of accidental injury.
Prognosis of perichondritis is good if treated promptly; a full recovery is typically expected.
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