Boils of the ear

Boils on the earlobe

Hair follicles are also found on the earlobe, which can unfortunately become inflamed. Due to such a purulent inflammation of the hair follicles, boils or even abscesses can develop. The furuncle on the earlobe can develop due to different causes and risk factors.

Particularly at risk are people who suffer from an immune deficiency or diabetes mellitus, are malnourished or in a poor state of hygiene. Another risk factor for the occurrence of a furuncle on the earlobe is a pre-existing neurodermatitis. This disease weakens the skin barrier and makes the skin dry and cracked.

This particularly affects the earlobes. Bacteria can thus penetrate the skin more easily and cause an inflammation. Hair removal from the ears can also promote the development of a furuncle.

A boil on the earlobe leads to a painful, bulging swelling of the earlobe, which feels like a hard knot. The pain is throbbing and stinging and can be localized precisely. Ear pain, however, does not occur.

General symptoms such as fever and malaise can also occur. The skin on the earlobe is typically reddened and shiny due to the inflammation. A boil on the earlobe can be treated with topical disinfectant solutions and antibiotics, but also with systemic antibiotics. Often an incision is also made by the doctor. This means that the boil is cut open and the purulent contents are removed.

Boils in the auricle

Boils can also be found in the auricle. The so-called ear canal furuncle is called otitis externa circumscripta in medical terminology and looks like a reddish pimple. It is found at the entrance of the auditory canal.

It is usually an infection of the hair follicle with bacteria called staphylococci. One cause of such a boil is often improper cleaning of the auditory canal with cotton swabs. Frequent visits to the swimming pool can also promote the development, as can hair removal from the ear.

Pain can be caused by pressure on the cartilaginous protrusion of the auricle. Furthermore, pus can be emptied spontaneously. Fever and a swelling of the surrounding lymph nodes are also possible.

To treat such a furuncle, topical disinfectants and ointments containing antibiotics will be used. Furthermore, the boil can be opened by a doctor and the pus in the ear can be cleared out. This is called a stab incision.

If there is no improvement, a systemic antibiotic administration in the form of tablets may be necessary. To prevent such furuncles on the auricle and the auditory canal, it is recommended to dry the ears well after showering and bathing. A humid environment promotes the development of furuncle. Furthermore, cleaning the ears with cotton swabs should be avoided.