External Ear Trauma: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

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External Ear Trauma: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 7-year-old girl presents to the pediatric clinic with her parents, reporting pain, redness, and discharge from her newly pierced ears, which were done 5 days ago at a local jewelry store. On examination, the right earlobe is erythematous, swollen, and tender to touch with purulent discharge noted around the earring post. The left ear shows mild redness but no discharge. The child is afebrile and otherwise healthy. Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this patient's condition?

A. Immediate removal of both earrings and start oral antibiotics.
B. Leave the earrings in place, start topical antibiotics, and advise warm compresses.
C. Immediate referral to a surgeon for incision and drainage.
D. Prescribe oral antifungal medication due to likely fungal infection.
E. Advise cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and observation only.

Answer and topic summary

The answer is B. Leave the earrings in place, start topical antibiotics, and advise warm compresses.

In cases of mild to moderate localized infection of a new ear piercing without systemic signs, the best approach is to leave the earrings in place to prevent the hole from closing and to start topical antibiotics to address the infection. Warm compresses can help alleviate pain and promote drainage of any localized pus. This approach allows for healing while treating the infection and maintaining the piercing.

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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint EENT ⇒ Ear Disorders (PEARLS) ⇒ External ear (PEARLS) ⇒ External Ear Trauma