Furuncle in the ears - is it dangerous?

Furuncle in the ears is a fairly common problem, which affects both children and the adult population. It should be noted that the site of inflammation, as a rule, appears either on the auricle, or in the outer part of the auditory canal. Such a disease creates a lot of troubles and discomfort, and therefore requires qualified medical care.

Furuncles: the causes of their formation

Furunculosis is an infectious disease that is associated with the penetration of staphylococcus into the sebaceous glands or hair follicles. Despite the infectious origin, the disease is not contagious, since it occurs for entirely different reasons. Staphylococcus is the inhabitant of every human organism. But the disease occurs only in the presence of some additional factors. For example, furuncles in children and adults are most often the result of trauma and irritation of the upper layers of the skin. After all, often patients, without knowing it themselves, bring an infection when scratching the ear with dirty fingers, small toys, hairpins, handles and other hard and metal objects. Of course, the risk of developing the disease increases with colds, beriberi, anemia, metabolic disorders and weakening of the immune system.

Furuncle in the ears: the main symptoms of the disease

As already mentioned, a furuncle is an acute inflammation of the sebaceous glands or hair follicle. At the same time, the skin around the purulent sac swells and acquires a reddish hue. The very first symptom is permanent pain in the ear. If the abscess is located inside the auditory canal, then this can lead to a mass of complications. For example, pain is greatly increased, becomes acute and fires when talking, chewing and any other movement of the jaws. In some cases, the infection spreads to the nearby salivary gland, provoking its inflammation. Quite often furuncles in the ears lead to an increase in body temperature - patients complain of chills, body aches, weakness and drowsiness. Lymph nodes significantly increase, become hard, and sometimes painful. In some cases, there is a risk of developing a purulent process in neighboring lymph nodes. In any case, with such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Furuncles in the ears and methods of treatment

As a rule, the examination of an otolaryngologist is sufficient to make a final diagnosis. In the first few days for treatment use antibiotics, as well as antibacterial ointments or ear drops. Only in particularly severe cases, injections of penicillin are used. In addition, patients are prescribed painkillers and antipyretic agents. In most cases, the furuncle is opened independently 4 to 5 days after the onset - the purulent contents come out, after which it is necessary to thoroughly wash the ear canal. If the abscess is not opened, then there is a risk of infection of the lymph nodes and salivary glands. In such cases, the doctor independently opens the boil and cleans the tissues of the purulent contents.