Patient's question:
The baby is one year old, and this is the second time the preauricular fistula has become inflamed. Four days ago, it was noticed that it has started to become red and swollen again. Can I use a sterilized needle to drain the abscess myself? What should I actually do?Doctor's answer:
Here it has already formed an abscess. It is necessary to go to the hospital and have the otolaryngology department perform incision and drainage. If it is not incised, it is almost about to burst through the skin. In that case, the wound will be more difficult to heal. Pay attention to local hygiene, and you can use iodine-impregnated cotton balls for sterilization. It is recommended to completely excise the fistula after the incision and drainage heal, to avoid repeated infections and suffering for the child. It is not advisable to pick it yourself, otherwise the scar may be larger and it will be more difficult to resolve later.