Patient's question:
My daughter is now three months old. About a month ago, there was a white and green purulent discharge from her right ear, but there was no redness or swelling at the fistula. The child did not feel any discomfort. I consulted online, and it was said to be a congenital preauricular fistula. I would like to understand what I should pay attention to.The help I hope to receive: What are the precautions for congenital preauricular fistulas?
Doctor's answer:
Congenital preauricular fistula is a common congenital external ear disease in clinical diagnosis. It is a remnant of the incomplete fusion of the auricular primordia of the second and second branchial arches during development, with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern across generations. The fistula opening is usually located in front of the tragus, and in very rare cases, it may be found in the triangular fossa or concha of the auricle. Congenital preauricular fistulas are classified into simple, infected, and excretory types. Generally, they are asymptomatic. Light pressure may cause a small amount of thin, viscous mucus or creamy sebum-like material to ooze from the fistula opening, accompanied by local itching and discomfort. If there are no symptoms or infections, no treatment is necessary. For cases with local itching and secretions, surgical excision is recommended.