What are the symptoms of preauricular sinus?

Nov 28, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

Symptoms of preauricular sinus include a fistula opening located anterior to the crus of the helix, which may be accompanied by local itching. When the fistula opening is squeezed, a small amount of foul-smelling white discharge may emerge. Additionally, if inflammation or infection occurs, symptoms such as pus formation, redness, swelling, and pain may develop. Recurrent infections may lead to the formation of abscesses, fistulas, or scar tissue.

Preauricular sinus symptoms typically manifest as a fistula opening in front of the crus of the helix, sometimes accompanied by white discharge.

Preauricular sinus is primarily caused by incomplete development of auricular tissues during embryonic development. The condition presents as a fistula opening located anterior to the crus of the helix; the other end of this opening forms a blind-ended tract that varies in length and depth and may branch. Localized itching may also occur. When the fistula opening is squeezed, a small amount of foul-smelling white discharge may emerge. Additionally, if inflammation or infection develops, abnormal symptoms such as pus formation, redness, swelling, and pain may arise. Repeated infections may lead to the formation of a chronic draining fistula or scarring.

Once a preauricular sinus develops, if inflammation or infection occurs, patients may undergo microwave irradiation therapy to accelerate metabolism and improve local blood circulation, thereby promoting vascular and neural repair, inhibiting bacterial growth, and reducing inflammation and swelling. Alternatively, patients may opt for surgical treatment, such as complete excision of the sinus tract.

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What causes a hole in the ear?

A hole in the ear may result from a shallow skin indentation in the ear canal, ear trauma, preauricular sinus, or other causes. The sinus opening most commonly occurs in the anterior part of the helix foot, though in rare cases it may be found in the triangular fossa or concha of the auricle. If pus develops, incision and drainage of the abscess are required. Besides these reasons, the hole could also be an earring piercing from wearing jewelry; proper disinfection is necessary to prevent infection.

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Should secretions from an ear fistula be squeezed out?

Preauricular sinus refers to congenital preauricular fistula. In general, secretions from a congenital preauricular fistula should not be squeezed. A congenital preauricular fistula results from incomplete development of auricular tissues during embryonic development. The skin lining the fistula contains sweat and sebaceous glands that may produce thin, whitish secretions. When these secretions emerge, they should not be forcibly expressed, as this may lead to infection and subsequent abscess formation in the fistula.

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Video of preauricular sinus excision surgery

Preauricular sinus is generally caused by incomplete congenital development and can be treated surgically to alleviate symptoms. The surgery should be performed at a正规 hospital. The specific surgical procedure is as follows: the patient is placed in a semi-recumbent position, general anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist, and the ear is routinely disinfected by the surgeon. After the anesthesia takes effect, a fusiform incision is made on the skin around the sinus tract, and surrounding tissues are dissected along the incision.

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If an infected ear fistula has already drained pus on its own, is additional drainage still necessary?

When an ear fistula becomes inflamed and forms pus that drains spontaneously, local incision and drainage should be performed under medical guidance, along with anti-inflammatory treatment. After surgery, it is important to properly care for the wound by keeping it dry and clean to promote healing. In terms of diet, maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods.