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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swollen Ear?

i have a swollen ear, i believe it is the helix. felt it about 4 or 5 days ago, i thought i was just a pimple, but it would not pop or drain. Just getting worse, bigger, and more sore. hurts to the touch, and is very full of puss or blood. please help
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 2 Sep 2020 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 7 Sep 2020 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

The commonest causes of such a swelling can be one of the following:
- Insect bites gives similar picture
- Chondritis with seroma formation
- An actual abscess formation
- Allergic reaction

I would advise you the following in such a situation:
- Stop popping it as it may open up more of the space and cause worsening of the swelling.
- Simple aspiration will tell us the cause whether seroma, hematoma or an abscess.

Further management as per the cause found. In seroma, repeated aspiration and pressure dressing may help. Usually done and may rarely need a small surgery to remove part of cartilage. If an abscess or infective then a course of an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory may be needed. Allergic reaction need oral antihistamine and steroids.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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What Causes Swollen Ear?

Hi, The commonest causes of such a swelling can be one of the following: - Insect bites gives similar picture - Chondritis with seroma formation - An actual abscess formation - Allergic reaction I would advise you the following in such a situation: - Stop popping it as it may open up more of the space and cause worsening of the swelling. - Simple aspiration will tell us the cause whether seroma, hematoma or an abscess. Further management as per the cause found. In seroma, repeated aspiration and pressure dressing may help. Usually done and may rarely need a small surgery to remove part of cartilage. If an abscess or infective then a course of an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory may be needed. Allergic reaction need oral antihistamine and steroids. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon