Patient's question:
My ear has had a hole for a long time, and it's very prone to infection. It also recurs repeatedly, and when it recurs, it gets inflamed. After a thorough examination at the hospital, the doctor said it was a congenital preauricular fistula. I want to get rid of this condition. What are the hazards of a congenital preauricular fistula?Doctor's answer:
Congenital preauricular fistula is caused by the failure of fusion of small papillary nodules formed by the second and third pharyngeal arches during embryonic development, or incomplete separation of the second pharyngeal groove. It does not interfere with hearing, but due to poor growth and development, it may also lead to incomplete development of the cochlea.Congenital preauricular fistula is a very common congenital disease, visible as a small hole at the base of the helix. If it becomes infected, the surrounding skin may reappear as red, swollen, and painful. Those without symptoms do not require treatment. If infection and inflammation occur, antibiotic and other anti-infection treatments should be administered, or abscess drainage and local medication may be necessary.