The Problem:

Recurrent swelling, itchiness and pain of the right ear before the skin opens to release pus; it would take three to five days to open (a pre-auricular abscess)

The Treatment:

As the attacks became more frequent, I consulted an ENT Specialist (Dr Arasa).  He prescribed antibiotics for about 10 days which worked well (in December 2013).  It then went away for nearly a year.

Around December 2014 it recurred, and this time opened up in different spots in the ear (there were 3 skin openings / sinuses).  Despite strong antibiotics the attacks became weekly so he performed minor surgery (under local anaesthesia) in his clinic to enlarge the third (sinus) opening, to allow for more pus to come out.  In February 2015, as a last attempt at conservative management I was admitted for 5 days for administration of intravenous antibiotics.

However due to recurrent symptoms, after a CT scan I underwent a major ear operation in March 2015.  The operation comprised of clearing the infected tissue behind and inside the ear, assisted by laser treatment.  After clearing the disease from some of the skin openings / sinuses, the Doctor had to also do some cosmetic work of rotating skin (creating a skin flap) to close one of the exposed areas, and placed a skin graft on the other exposed area.

Results of the Operation: 

The operation did work because It is now four (4) months after the operation and I still have not had an abscess attack, I am no longer on antibiotics and the ear has healed cosmetically very well.

Thanks to Dr Arasa.

Ms Sebabatso (expat from South Africa)

                Healed Skin graft donor site (in post-auricular crease)                                     

Healed Pre-auricular Incision + Healing Skin graft Recepient site (above in Cymba Concha) + Rotation flap (below in Concha Cavum)