A boil in the ears is a fairly common problem that affects both children and the adult population equally. It is worth noting that the site of inflammation, as a rule, appears either on the auricle, or in the outer part of the ear canal. Such a disease creates a lot of trouble and discomfort, and therefore requires qualified medical care.
Boils: the reasons for their formation
Furunculosis is an infectious disease that is associated with the penetration of staphylococcus into the sebaceous glands or hair follicles. Despite the infectious origin, the disease is not contagious, as it occurs for completely different reasons. Staphylococcus is an inhabitant of the body of every person. But the disease occurs only if there are some additional factors. For example, boils in children and adults are most often the result of trauma and irritation of the upper layers of the skin. Indeed, often patients themselves, without suspecting it, infect the infection by scratching their ears with dirty fingers, small toys, hairpins, pens, and other hard and metal objects. Of course, the risk of developing the disease increases with colds, vitamin deficiency, anemia, metabolic disorders and a weakened immune system.
Furuncle in the ears: the main symptoms of the disease
As already mentioned, a boil is an acute inflammation of the sebaceous glands or the hair follicle. At the same time, the skin around the purulent sac swells and acquires a reddish tint. The very first symptom is persistent pain in the ear. If the abscess is located inside the auditory canal, then this can lead to a lot of complications. For example, the pain increases significantly, it becomes sharp and shooting when talking, chewing and any other movement of the jaws. In some cases, the infection spreads to the nearby salivary gland, causing inflammation. Quite often, a boil in the ears leads to an increase in body temperature - patients complain of chills, body aches, weakness and drowsiness. Lymph nodes increase significantly, become hard, and sometimes painful. In some cases, there is a risk of the development of a purulent process in neighboring lymph nodes. In any case, with such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Furuncle in the ears and treatment methods
As a rule, an examination by an otolaryngologist is enough to make a final diagnosis. In the first few days, antibiotics are used for treatment, as well as antibacterial ointments or ear drops. Only in especially severe cases, penicillin injections are used. In addition, patients are prescribed painkillers and antipyretics. In most cases, the boil is opened independently after 4 - 5 days from the moment of occurrence - the purulent contents come out, after which you need to thoroughly rinse the ear canal. If the abscess does not open, then there is a risk of infection of the lymph nodes and salivary glands. In such cases, the doctor independently opens the boil and cleanses the tissue from purulent contents.