Patient's question:
Two days ago, the external appearance of the abscess only showed swelling. When gently pressed, a small amount of pus was discharged from the small hole. By touch, it felt like there was a pimple-like abscess near the ear cartilage inside the fistula.Previous treatment and effectiveness:
At the age of 25, I had very few infections as a child. Sometimes, when it itched, a bit of pus would be expelled. In recent weeks, it has flared up twice. The first time was near the small hole, and this time it seems to have explored into the fistula?
What topical anti-inflammatory medication should be used first?
Doctor's answer:
Generally, asymptomatic individuals do not require treatment. If there is an infectious inflammation, antibiotics or sulfonamide drugs such as penicillin or erythromycin can be administered orally. If an abscess is formed, it should be incised promptly to drain the pus, maintain local cleanliness and sterilization, and change the dressing with povidone-iodine gauze. After the redness and swelling subside and the infection is controlled, the fistula can be surgically removed. It is essential to remove it completely in one operation; otherwise, any remaining fistula may lead to recurrent infection, making subsequent surgeries much less effective.