Ear Furuncle (Boil)

 

Symptoms:

. Red, painful, tender, hard nodule in the ear canal.

 

Common Causative Organism:

. Staphylococcus aureus.

 

Risk Factors:

1. Otitis media

2. Immunocompromised state (e.g., diabetes)

 

Management:

i. Spontaneous Resolution: Most ear furuncles resolve on their own.

ii. Antibiotics: Some cases may require antibiotics such as flucloxacillin.

iii. Incision and Drainage: In rare cases where the furuncle grows larger and does not resolve spontaneously, incision and drainage may be necessary.