Patient's question:
The child was born only a few days ago, and recently, for some unknown reason, they have been scratching their ears frequently. What are the symptoms of congenital preauricular fistula?Doctor's answer:
Preauricular fistulae typically have their openings located in front of the crus of the helix, with the other end being a blind tube. The depth, length, and branching patterns of the fistulae vary. They are usually unilateral but can also be bilateral. The lumen wall is lined with stratified squamous epithelium, which contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. Therefore, when squeezed, a small amount of white, viscous, or caseous discharge may ooze from the fistula opening. There are usually no symptoms, but when secondary infection occurs, local redness, swelling, and pain may develop. Repeated infections can lead to the formation of scars.(1) Asymptomatic, or with the of a small amount of mucus or sebum-like material.
(2) During infection, local swelling and pain, with purulent discharge; repeated infections can result in the formation of a purulent fistula or scars.