Perichondritis | Medtick
Medtick

Perichondritis

What is it?

An infection of the tissue covering the cartilage of the external part of the ear called the pinna (perichondrium).

  • This condition can show similar symptoms to cellulitis.

Diagnosis tests

  • Mainly healthcare professional visual examination

However may wish to check further in the ear:

  • Otoscopy
    • Insert a torch in the ear to check and look at the eardrum for redness, bulging, cloudiness, perforation, or pus.
  • Pneumatic otoscopy
    • Uses a puff of air to assess eardrum movement.
    • Reduced mobility suggests fluid behind the eardrum.
  • Tympanometry
    • Measures eardrum movement and middle ear pressure.
    • It helps detect middle ear fluid (effusion).
  • Acoustic reflectometry -Estimates the presence of middle ear fluid by measuring sound reflection
  • Ear swabs – if recurrent ear infection or or previous treatment has not helped
  • Audiometry – hearing test if recurrent ear condition
  • Balance assessments – for inner ear infections
  • CT or MRI scan – if affecting ear bones and for recurrent conditions not helped via steroids or antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.
  • Blood tests

Cause

Treatments

  • Ear surgery

Symptoms

  • Redness of outer part of ear?
  • Swelling of outer part of ear?
  • Pain of outer part of ear?
  • Pus and/or discharge from swelling?
  • Ear feeling hot?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

It’s more common in children and should be diagnosed and treated quickly, the patient need to see a Medical Doctor on the same day, if not possible go to hospital.

General tips

  • Apply a warm/hot compression over the abscess will help to drain it.
  • Over the counter pain medicine like an Paracetamol or ibuprofen (if suitable, ask your pharmacist) may help.
  • Do not ever try to squeeze the lumps in an effort to pop them out.
  • Do not ever try to poke the lumps using a needle to drain it out by yourself.
  • Squeezing or poking can lead to a more serious infection.

This condition can lead to:

www.verywellhealth.com

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Perichondritis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • Medscape (Professional level)

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • EveryDay Health

    Wellness inspired. Wellness enabled.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Nathnac

    Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

  • Better health - NHS

    Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.

    There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!

Medtick

© Medtick - 2026. All Rights Reserved.