Perichondritis – Causes, Symptoms & Therapy

Perichondritis

Perichondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage skin The infection is usually caused by bacteria (staphylococci). It often begins harmlessly, often with the smallest injuries to the ear tissue. However, the result can be a deformation or the permanent loss of parts of the auricle.

What is perichondritis?

Perichondritis is a painful inflammation of the cartilage skin (perichondrium). The auricle with the external auditory canal is predominantly affected. The cause is the penetration of bacteria through the smallest injuries in the skin.

However, the clinical picture also occurs in the cartilage tissue of the larynx and nose and is also referred to here as perichondritis. Auricular perichondritis is the most common form of perichondritis.

causes

Perichondritis is usually triggered by bacteria , mostly staphylococci or Pseudomonas. The bacteria penetrate the tissue through injuries to the skin and multiply there. These injuries can be so small that the patient has not noticed them.

Insect bites are another entry point for bacteria, but so are surgical interventions. A common cause of perichondritis are ear piercings that were performed under unsanitary conditions.

Bruises and strains on the ear – relatively common in boxers and wrestlers – can lead to what is known as a blood ear (othaematoma, ear haematoma). The ear hematoma, in turn, can lead to perichondritis. Diabetics and people with a weakened immune system in general are also often affected by perichondritis.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of perichondritis:

  • red earlobe

Typical of perichondritis is the severe swelling and reddening of the affected tissue. The cartilaginous structures of the auricle disappear. Blisters may form on the skin. The patient feels severe pain. In the most common form, ear perichondritis, the earlobe is not affected because it contains no cartilage. Although it may be slightly red, it is not affected by the swelling. The recess of the earlobe is an important distinguishing feature to a similar disease of the ear, erysipelas. Erysipelas is not limited to cartilaginous tissue.

If perichondritis is not treated, it spreads from the cartilage to the cartilage and surrounding tissues. As the perichondritis progresses, necrosis, ie tissue death, can occur. The necrosis is accompanied by changes in the shape of the ear cartilage and often leads to the so-called cauliflower ear.

Diagnose

The symptoms of perichondritis are usually unambiguous and clear, so that a diagnosis is possible solely on the basis of the clinical picture. A swab is taken for confirmation, which can also be used to identify the type of pathogen. This is important for a targeted therapy, for example the selection of the most suitable antibiotic. The diagnosis of perichondritis of the larynx is more difficult. It is often the result of a disease of the mucous membranes or an operation in the larynx area. The anamnesis provides important information for the diagnosis of laryngeal perichondritis.

treatment and therapy

In the case of acute perichondritis, the wound is first carefully cleaned. Rinsing or compresses with the antiseptic Rivanol, with acetic acid or iodine can be used as a disinfecting local treatment. These preparations are not indicated as sole therapeutic agents due to the severity of the clinical picture and the dangers in the further course.

Cooling pads can be helpful for pain relief. If the pain is severe, painkillers may be given. Early-stage perichondritis can be treated with an oral antibiotic. The active substance then reaches the ear via the blood. Ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin are often used. Germ-killing ointments for local treatment can also be used.

Even more effective is the intravenous administration of antibiotics . It is used in advanced inflammation. The choice of antibiotic depends on the pathogen determined by swab.

If an abscess forms , the tissue should be opened to allow the pus to drain. Tissue that has already died must be surgically removed to prevent further spread of the necrosis.

In severe cases, inpatient treatment is indicated. With timely antibiotic treatment, the prognosis is good. Without adequate treatment of perichondritis, there is a risk of permanent loss of ear tissue.

prevention

In order to avoid perichondritis, when earring holes or piercings are pierced, care should be taken to ensure that the company works hygienically. Holes in the cartilage tissue heal poorly because it does not have its own blood vessels. The complication rate here is relatively high.

Perichondritis is most likely to occur in the first four weeks after the piercing. Without a doubt, the best prevention would be to refrain from piercing the cartilage tissue altogether. In order to avoid injuries to the ear during sports, especially martial arts, it is advisable to wear special ear/head protection.

Since people with a weakened immune system often develop perichondritis, it also serves to prevent perichondritis by strengthening the body’s own defenses again.

Injuries to the ear and thus possible entry routes for bacteria will still occur again and again. In order to prevent necrosis and thus permanent disfigurement, the patient should seek medical treatment as soon as possible if perichondritis is suspected.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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