Inflammation of the auricle

introduction

The auricle and the external auditory canal form what is known as the external ear.

The two structures of the outer ear are used to pick up the sound (auricle) and its transmission (external auditory canal) to the inside adjacent eardrum.

In order to be able to fulfill these functions, nature intended that there be a direct connection between the auricle and the external auditory canal.

This is important because inflammations that supposedly affect the visible auricle often have their real origin in the area of ​​the non-visible ear canal. However, inflammation confined to the auricle can also occur.

Read more on the topic: Auricular pain

causes

Basically, you can infectious from non-infectious causes the inflammation of the auricle.

Trigger one infectious inflammation can bacteria, Viruses or Mushrooms be, mostly the Infect the ear canal and can then also be noticeable on the auricle. Such infections are favored both by factors that have an external effect on the body and by the body's own.

As examples of external factors be Bathing in unclean water and minor injuries when cleaning the ear canal called. Body's own factors are for example bony protrusions in the area of ​​the ear canal and Build-up of wax in the ears (Cerumen). The factors mentioned can affect the Self cleaning of the ear and thus be the basis for the growth of various pathogens, which can then cause inflammation of the ear canal and the auricle.

Also persistent otitis media can be a cause, as pathogens from the middle ear can also get into the area of ​​the outer ear.

Especially at Previous damage to the skin However, the auricle can also penetrate directly there and a localized infection without involving the ear canal. Often times the inflammation is limited to the cartilage of the auricle and is then called Perichondritis designated.

The cause of a also that Earlobe relevant inflammation is common bacterial in nature. Because the earlobe in contrast to the auricle no cartilage possesses, this is a skin infection, the so-called Eryspiel.

You can also Chickenpox Virus cause inflammation in the area of ​​the auricle. The infection can start again if the patient has not yet had chickenpox or if there is insufficient defense against the virus. However, it is also possible that for reactivation, i.e. to activate viruses that were previously dormant. These viruses remain in the body after having had chickenpox and can be particularly dangerous if the immune system is weak cause symptoms again. The resulting disease is then called Shingles (Zoster) designated. The shingles of the ear is called Herpes zoster oticus.

Both non-infectious causes stand the Contact eczema in the foreground. This type of inflammation can be caused by a allergic reaction, that is, a hypersensitivity reaction. Triggers can be substances that direct contact with the auricle or the ear canal to have. These can be in jewelry or for example Earplugs, but also in Medication (for example Ear drops) must be included. In addition, products like shampoo and other Hair care products, such as cosmetics to think.

On the other hand, there is also a so-called toxic reaction conceivable. In contrast to the allergic reaction, there are no harmless substances on the skin, but rather Contact with harmful substancesthat attack the skin directly and cause inflammation.

However, the already mentioned can also be used Inflammation of the cartilage the auricle that Perichondritis, not only by infectious agents, but also by non-infectious factors such as Exposure to the sun, warmth or cold be evoked.

Finally it should be mentioned that an inflammation of the auricle is also an expression of a underlying skin condition can be. So there can be a psoriasis or a atopic eczema (Neurodermatitis) hide.

Symptoms

Fundamental Signs of inflammation are pain, Redness, swelling and overheat in the area of ​​the affected area, in this case the auricle. Especially with contact eczema, redness often occurs in addition to reddening dry-looking skin with flaking and itching on.

In response to bacterial inflammation moreover enlarged lymph nodes to head and neck arise.

The mentioned signs of inflammation can occur in all diseases mentioned at the beginning. Indeed don't need all characters be present in every disease.

Is there a Inflammation of the auricle's cartilage (Perichondritis), this is usually expressed by Redness, swelling and strong pain in the corresponding area. It can do this too pus come out.

If the symptoms also occur in the Area of ​​the earlobe up, and insists fever or chills, the cause may be a bacterial infection of the skin, the Erysipelas, be.

Symptoms of a through Winpox viruses Induced inflammation can also cause reddening of the auricle fluid-filled vesicles be. These can too in the ear canal and in adjacent areas of the head occur. Often they form when the blisters burst open Incrustations on the auricle, ear canal and other affected area. These phenomena can be from fever be accompanied. In addition, there is often a very severe pain, which partly also before the appearance of the vesicles and persist for a long time after they have healed can stay. By Impairment of nerves it can also Paralysis in the area of ​​the facial muscles, dizziness and Hearing loss come.

diagnosis

Most important for that diagnosis is the Assessment of the outer ear by the doctor.

For this purpose, the Auricle visible to the naked eye and the Ear canal with a so-called Otoscope appraised. As a rule, the doctor then makes the diagnosis based on the findings and the patient's information on existing symptoms. In addition, depending on the suspected diagnosis, Levels of inflammation in the blood examined, or Testing for allergies be performed. In addition, often Trade-offs taken from the inflamed area to Identify pathogens and to be able to align the therapy with them.

Is there any suspicion of a Shingles, should also Testing of the sense of hearing and balance and the Facial muscles be carried out to a Involvement of the nerves of the head.

If psoriasis, neurodermatitis or any other skin disease is suspected, the skin of other parts of the body must also be examined.

therapy

The therapy the inflammation of the auricle depends on its cause.

With one through bacteria induced inflammation is rapid Antibiotic treatment required. It takes place locally by applying strips or drops containing antibiotics in or on the ear. The local therapy can also supplement disinfecting envelopes on the skin. In addition, however, the use of antibiotics is usually in Tablet form, or even the gift of antibiotic infusions necessary. If this is the case, a Admission to the hospital respectively.

Become Mushrooms intended to trigger inflammation, effective drugs are used against this. Become Winpox viruses Blamed for the inflammation, remedies for it are prescribed. are Nerves in the facial area Impaired in their function, this continues to make the use of Cortisone supplements necessary.

Against Pain can additionally Painkiller be prescribed.

prophylaxis

A Prevention of inflammation of the auricle is just very limited possible. There is one Ear cleaning, if any, just very careful to avoid injury from cotton swabs. In addition, the Avoid contact with dirty water become. When known allergy is it important allergenic substances also to be avoided.

forecast

Treated on time is that Forecast of inflammation of the auricle Well. A rapid therapy is particularly at bacterial infections necessary as this otherwise severe complications on the auricle. Also one Shingles must be treated quickly by the doctor in order to serious damage to the nerves of the head to prevent.

Thus has a quick visit to the doctor essential influence on the possible uncomplicated healing of the inflammation.