What causes recurring abscesses behind the ear?
Sep 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
In general, recurrent abscesses behind the ear may be related to factors such as poor hygiene, external otitis, folliculitis, sebaceous cysts, or mastoiditis. Patients are advised to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, conditions like furuncles or lymphadenitis may also be contributing factors. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment as directed by a physician.
Under normal circumstances, recurrent abscesses behind the ear may be related to poor hygiene, external otitis, folliculitis, sebaceous cysts, mastoiditis, and other factors. Patients are advised to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Poor Hygiene
If a patient neglects personal hygiene, rarely bathes, or cleans behind the ears, and frequently rubs the area with their hands, bacterial infection may occur behind the ear, leading to abscess formation. It is recommended that patients regularly clean the back of the ears, maintain cleanliness and dryness in this area, and avoid local friction.
2. External Otitis
External otitis can result from decreased resistance of the outer ear canal skin, environmental changes, trauma to the ear canal skin, water retention in the ear canal, hot and humid environments, or low immunity. This condition may present as an abscess within the external ear canal. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as levofloxacin tablets or ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets for treatment.
3. Folliculitis
Long-term friction or scrubbing of the area behind the ear may lead to follicular infection. Initially, there may be localized pain or itching, which could progress into an abscess. Under medical supervision, patients may use antifungal or antibiotic creams such as ketoconazole cream or levofloxacin hydrochloride cream for treatment.
4. Sebaceous Cyst
This condition primarily results from blocked sebaceous glands, preventing the timely expulsion of debris from pores. Patients may develop large abscess-like lumps behind the ears. These cysts protrude from the skin surface and may occur singly or in multiples; they are typically immovable. Under medical guidance, patients may undergo surgical excision of the sebaceous cyst to remove the lesion.
5. Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis usually arises from lymph node infection behind the ear and is often accompanied by ear pain, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and other symptoms. Under medical supervision, patients may take antibiotics such as cefradine capsules or cephalexin capsules for treatment.
In addition, abscesses may also be associated with furuncles (boils), lymphadenitis, and other factors. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital, identify the underlying cause, and follow appropriate treatment as directed by a physician.
