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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Cauliflower Ear From Cartilage Piercing, Swelling, Pain. Treatment Options?

Hi & thank you. I have cauliflower ear from a cartilage piercing. I waited a LONG time to get it treated, I thought the piercing was just having trouble healing . Suddenly last night it became MUCH more swollen & painful. I can t even sleep it hurts so bad! Is this normal? My primary care doctors office is closed for the holiday & I can t afford a trip to the ER. any advice? Thank you!
Mon, 10 Sep 2012
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ENT Specialist,  's  Response
Dear Twittchhh
Hello I am Dr Ravinder Sharma ENT surgeon. On the basis of information provided it appears you have perichondritis of pinna. Most of the cases responds to antibiotics, analgesics and antiinflammatory drugs. However, at times, it may require a surgical intervention. It appears that despite a course of antibiotics you still have a focus of infection in the cartilage. I would advise you to get a ENT consultation done. This should be considered as an emergency as it may lead to destruction of cartilage, if left unattended or incompletely treated, I hope this answers your concern with regards Ravinder Sharma
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Cauliflower Ear From Cartilage Piercing, Swelling, Pain. Treatment Options?

Dear Twittchhh Hello I am Dr Ravinder Sharma ENT surgeon. On the basis of information provided it appears you have perichondritis of pinna. Most of the cases responds to antibiotics, analgesics and antiinflammatory drugs. However, at times, it may require a surgical intervention. It appears that despite a course of antibiotics you still have a focus of infection in the cartilage. I would advise you to get a ENT consultation done. This should be considered as an emergency as it may lead to destruction of cartilage, if left unattended or incompletely treated, I hope this answers your concern with regards Ravinder Sharma