HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)preauricular sinus infectionPlease suggest the treatment for swollen painful preauricular tips.

What can be done for swollen painful preauricular tips.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At November 9, 2018
Reviewed AtJuly 21, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 21-year-old female. I have preauricular pits, that have drained smelly discharge ever since I was born. I have them in both ears. The right does not drain often. The left drains every day more than once a day. The left has become really swollen and painful recently. I am not sure of what to do because I now understand that the discharge means it is infected and it is hard for the surgery, if infected. Plus they have been infected for so long. I have also read that after surgery, it could reoccur.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Let me answer your query in parts. It is a developmental anomaly, a branchial cleft anomaly. Once we remove the whole sinus tract, it does not recur. To see till where it extends one must do a fistulogram scan. When infected we do not do surgery. We do culture sensitivity and institute appropriate antibiotics and clear infection and plan for surgery later. It is a curable problem. Do send us a picture of the ears both sides and send to me.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shyam Kalyan. N
Dr. Shyam Kalyan. N

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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