What causes perichondritis of the auricle?

Perichondritis of the auricle is mainly caused by trauma infection, iatrogenic procedures, spread of inflammation from adjacent tissues, systemic disease triggers, and foreign body irritation. If symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or fever in the auricle occur, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Trauma infection: After the auricle suffers trauma such as impact, laceration, or compression, improper wound management may allow bacteria to invade the perichondrium and cause infection. Common pathogens include *Staphylococcus aureus*.

2. Iatrogenic procedure-related infection: During ear surgeries, piercings, or earring placements, inadequate sterilization of instruments or improper techniques can lead to pathogen invasion and subsequent inflammation.

3. Spread of adjacent tissue inflammation: Inflammation from nearby areas—such as otitis externa, otitis media, or parotitis—if not controlled promptly, may spread to the auricular perichondrium and trigger infection.

4. Systemic disease triggers: Systemic conditions such as diabetes, malnutrition, or immunodeficiency reduce the body's resistance to infection, increasing the risk of developing perichondritis.

5. Foreign body irritation: Retained foreign bodies in the auricle, such as dust, insect fragments, or debris, can chronically irritate the perichondrium, causing local inflammatory reactions. Secondary infection may worsen the condition.

In daily life, it is important to keep the auricle clean and dry, avoid frequent touching or squeezing, stay away from sharp objects to prevent injury, seek professional and reputable facilities for ear-related procedures, maintain a balanced diet to strengthen immunity, and thereby reduce the likelihood of inflammation.