Perichondritis, Pediatric
Perichondritis is an infection of the outer ear (auricle). The auricle is made of firm, flexible tissue (cartilage) that is covered by a layer of tissue (perichondrium). Infection of the perichondrium (perichondritis) causes a swollen and painful ear.
Perichondritis is treated with antibiotic medicine. If the infection is severe, your child may need surgery. Untreated perichondritis can destroy cartilage in the auricle and cause an ear deformity.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by an ear injury that causes bleeding under the skin (hematoma). When bacteria enters the hematoma, an infection results.
RISK FACTORS
Your child may be at greater risk for this condition if he or she:
• Gets a piercing in the upper
Perichondritis is an infection of the outer ear (auricle). The auricle is made of firm, flexible tissue (cartilage) that is covered by a layer of tissue (perichondrium). Infection of the perichondrium (perichondritis) causes a swollen and painful ear.
Perichondritis is treated with antibiotic medicine. If the infection is severe, your child may need surgery. Untreated perichondritis can destroy cartilage in the auricle and cause an ear deformity.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by an ear injury that causes bleeding under the skin (hematoma). When bacteria enters the hematoma, an infection results.
RISK FACTORS
Your child may be at greater risk for this condition if he or she:
• Gets a piercing in the upper