
What is perichondritis?
Perichondritis is an infection around the cartilage of your ear. Cartilage is the stiff but flexible material that gives your ear its shape.
-
Perichondritis is usually caused by an injury, piercing, burn, or bite
-
If you have diabetes or a weak immune system you’re more likely to get perichondritis
-
Your ear will get red, painful, and swollen
-
Pus may build up under the skin of your ear
-
Doctors will give you antibiotics and, if needed, make a small cut to let any pus out of your ear