Patient's question:
I have a congenital preauricular fistula. It causes itching at intervals, and when squeezed, there is yellowish-white discharge with a slightly unpleasant odor. How can I resolve this? I've had it since I was a child and am now 19 years old. Can it be treated without surgery?Doctor's answer:
Hello! This condition is caused by congenital embryonic developmental abnormalities and is present from birth. The current symptoms include itching, yellowish-white discharge, and odor, and surgical treatment is recommended. Conservative treatment is generally ineffective, and most cases ultimately require surgical intervention. Those without symptoms may not need surgery, but in your case, since you have symptoms, please refer to the daily precautions: to prevent water from entering the opening of the preauricular fistula (the area where yellowish-white discharge can leak out) while taking a bath or washing your hair, avoid squeezing the area randomly and maintain local dryness and cleanliness.