Patient's question:
What should I do if I have a congenital preauricular fistula?Doctor's answer:
Preauricular fistula is commonly characterized by small openings on the ear in daily life. Congenital preauricular fistula is a common otological disease. It is caused by improper fusion of papillary nodules formed by the second and third pharyngeal arches during embryonic development, or incomplete separation of the second pharyngeal groove. A fistula is a blind tube that may branch and bend, with its external opening usually located above and in front of the helix crus. Once infected, it becomes red, swollen, painful, and inflamed, and can recur repeatedly. This condition is an autosomal dominant genetic disease with incomplete penetrance. Those without symptoms do not require treatment. If infection occurs, antiviral treatment is necessary. If an abscess forms, incision and drainage are required. After spontaneous healing, surgical removal of the fistula is recommended.