Perichondritis – Cauliflower ear – Cotton Ear Bud Damage

Perichondritis – Cause and Treatment

Perichondritis is inflammation of the perichondrium, which is the connective tissue surrounding the cartilage in the ear. It typically occurs due to some form of ear trauma. This can include injuries due to cotton ear bud use and ear piercings.

The most common symptom is a painful and swollen outer ear.

Sad that in spite of many doctors advising patients not to use cotton buds for ear cleaning, people still use it and suffer lifelong.

How is it treated?

• Treatment typically includes the use of antibiotics.
• Removal of any foreign objects that is causing the problem.
• A corticosteroid taken by mouth.
• Pain killers.