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Home /
Quick Facts: Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders /
Outer Ear Disorders /
... /
Perichondritis /
IN THIS TOPIC

What is perichondritis?

What are the symptoms of perichondritis?

How do doctors treat perichondritis?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Outer Ear Disorders
Birth Defects of the Ear
Dermatitis of the Ear Canal
Ear Blockages
Ear Tumors
Ear Canal Infection (Swimmer's Ear)
Malignant External Otitis
Perichondritis

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Corneal Ulcer
A corneal ulcer is an eye infection that causes an open sore on the cornea (the clear layer in front of the iris and pupil). A common cause of a corneal ulcer is bacterial or viral infection. However, another cause can be injury. Which of the following injuries is the most common cause of a corneal ulcer?  

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Quick Facts

Perichondritis

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Apr 2020| Content last modified Apr 2020
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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

What are the symptoms of perichondritis?

Symptoms include:

  • Redness, pain, and swelling of your ear

How do doctors treat perichondritis?

Doctors will:

  • Give you antibiotics by mouth

  • Remove any objects from your ear, such as earrings or splinters

  • Give you pain medicine

If you have an abscess (a collection of pus), doctors will:

  • Make a cut in your ear to drain the pus

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Malignant External Otitis
Laryngeal Cancer
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