What causes scabs inside the ear? After picking them off, yellow fluid comes out.
Dec 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Crusting in the ear, when scratched and broken, oozes yellow fluid. This may result from pathogenic microorganisms causing infectious inflammation of the external auditory canal skin or subcutaneous tissues. Such infection increases mucous or purulent secretions, allowing bacteria and viruses to multiply within the middle ear, leading to inflammatory changes. The mucous membrane becomes congested and swollen. Under the influence of various factors, this may also lead to allergic dermatitis in the external ear.
Crusting in the ear, which oozes yellow fluid when scratched open, may be caused by conditions such as external otitis, otitis media, or external ear eczema. The treatment varies depending on the underlying cause.
1. External Otitis: If water accumulates in the external ear or if there is trauma, the area becomes susceptible to pathogenic bacteria, leading to an infectious inflammation of the skin or subcutaneous tissues of the external auditory canal. This results in increased secretion of sticky or purulent discharge, causing crusting in the ear that releases yellow fluid when broken. If pain is present, medications such as amoxicillin capsules or cefuroxime axetil granules may be used as directed by a physician.
2. Otitis Media: Individuals with weakened immunity may allow bacteria or viruses to multiply in the middle ear, resulting in inflammatory changes. After mucosal congestion and swelling, the aforementioned symptoms may appear. If accompanied by fever and ear pain, antiviral or antibiotic treatments such as acyclovir tablets or cefuroxime axetil granules may be considered under medical guidance.
3. External Ear Eczema: This is an allergic dermatitis affecting the external ear due to various factors, often associated with itching. Scratching can lead to yellow, watery discharge that dries into yellow crusts. If a burning sensation occurs, calamine lotion may be used for cleansing, and zinc oxide ointment or boric acid-zinc oxide ointment may be applied as prescribed by a doctor.
In addition to the common causes listed above, other potential causes such as acoustic neuroma cannot be ruled out.
