Introduction
Pinna perichondritis is an infection, and inflammatory condition of the external ear cartilage called the pinna or auricle. Pinna perichondritis is not a very common condition, but the researchers do not know the exact number of people affected by this condition. The condition was found commonly in adolescents in England between 1990 and 1998 because of high ear piercings.
The infection can occur for various reasons and cause swelling, pain, and redness in the outer ear. The most common cause of pinna perichondritis is high ear piercing, which increases the risk of infection or perichondritis. It may also cause pus accumulation or abscess between the cartilage and ear tissue. Pinna perichondritis can even cause severe complications if not diagnosed and treated timely, as it can cease the blood supply to the ear cartilage. This can lead to necrosis or death of the tissue. Necrosis of the cartilage can further cause permanent ear deformities such as the “cauliflower ear.”
Therefore, a person experiencing any symptoms of pinna chondritis or other ear infections should consult the healthcare provider immediately. The article talks in detail about the pinna perichondritis condition and the treatment and preventive measures to minimize the risk of occurrence.
What Are the Causes of Pinna Perichondritis?
Pinna perichondritis is a bacterial infection caused by the most common type of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, can also cause the infection. These bacteria can cause infection in the cartilage of the external ear called the pinna. The infection mainly occurs due to any trauma or injury. The shape of our external ear is created by a thick tissue called cartilage. It is further surrounded by a thin layer of tissues called perichondrium, which supplies nutrients to the cartilage. The following reasons, therefore, cause pinna perichondritis:
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Ear piercings cause damage to ear cartilage and are a significant cause of perichondritis.
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Trauma to the side of the head.
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Insect bites.
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Contact sports.
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Burns.
Less common causes of pinna perichondritis:
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Herpes zoster infections.
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Untreated ear infections that involve ear cartilage.
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Ear surgery.
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Minor trauma to the ear.
Pinna perichondritis can also occur in people having the following medical conditions:
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Weakened immune system.
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Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and other inflammatory conditions.
What Are the Symptoms of Pinna Perichondritis?
The symptoms of pinna perichondritis are as follows:
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Red, painful, and swollen outer ear.
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Tenderness.
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Warmth is felt on the outer ear.
Perichondritis of the pinna mainly affects the upper part of the external ear and does not cause any damage to the ear lobes. Fluid discharge may also occur if any abscess is present.
How Is Pinna Perichondritis Diagnosed?
The doctor diagnoses the pinna perichondritis through a physical examination of the infected ear. They ask the person about their symptoms and any injury or trauma that may have caused this condition. Trauma can be of various times, such as burns, ear piercing, acupuncture, and cuts. The doctor also asks about the person's medical history that may have caused an infection in the ear. Blood tests and imaging for diagnosis are usually not indicated in pinna perichondritis. However, if secondary infections cause necrosis, abscess, and swelling in the extended area. Then a blood count test, c-reactive protein, urea and electrolytes, coagulation screen, and blood cultures should be performed. In addition, microbiological swabs of the infected area and pus discharge are also taken to evaluate the case.
How Is Pinna Perichondritis Treated?
The first line of treatment for perichondritis is antibiotic therapy, depending on the severity of the condition and the type of bacteria involved. Fluoroquinolone is the most common antibiotic to treat pinna perichondritis or perichondritis infection. The antibiotic is available in oral and topical forms. It can be directly taken through the mouth or applied to the infected area of the skin.
What Are the Preventive Measures for Pinna Perichondritis?
The preventive measures for pinna perichondritis are
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Avoid piercing high ear cartilage; instead, pierce the lower earlobe as the risk of infection is also low in this area.
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Do not scratch the ear too much.
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The treatment of ear infections should be done promptly.
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Avoid acupuncture on the ears.
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Contact sports should also be avoided.
What Is the Differential Diagnosis for Pinna Perichondritis?
The doctor should know other pathologies that can cause inflamed or painful ears. They should perform an otoscopy in the case of children to rule out otitis media as they cannot communicate their symptoms properly.
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Otitis externa.
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Pinna cellulitis.
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Malignant otitis media.
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Relapsing polychondritis.
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Psoriasis or eczema or other dermatological conditions are affecting the ear.
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Otitis media.
What Are the Complications Associated With Pinna Perichondritis?
Pinna perichondritis can lead to cartilage necrosis, cauliflower ear, or minor cosmetic deformity of the ear if left untreated. Perichondritis infection may also spread to the other areas surrounding the pinna and can cause a secondary infection called chondritis. The person may require hospital admission and intravenous antibiotics.
Conclusion
Pinna perichondritis, if promptly diagnosed and treated with antibiotic therapy, can settle the symptoms in two or three days, but pain may persist for a month. However, people should be aware of the increased risk of ear infections from high ear piercings. Therefore, a person suffering from any symptoms of perichondritis, such as swelling, redness, and pain in the outer ear, should consult the healthcare provider immediately to avoid any permanent deformity of the ear.
