Furunculosis (Localized Otitis Externa) is defined as acute staphylococcal infection of a hair follicle.
It is more likely to occur in Diabetic patients, and it caused by "staphylococcus aureus" infection as discussed before.
Symptoms of Furunculosis:
1. Severe Pain ( as skin is tightly attached to perichondrium) on mastication.
2. Deafness (if it is large).
3. Ear Discharge (if ruptured) which is purulent and scanty.
Signs of Furunculosis:
1. Tenderness on moving the auricle, or on applying pressure on Tragus.
2. Localized red, tender swelling.
3. Discharge: scanty and purulent.
4. Pre- and post-auricular lymphadenopathy.
Investigations:
Blood Glucose is recommended.
Defferential diagnosis:
Acute Mastoiditis
Treatment of Furunculosis:
A. Systemic: Antibiotics and Analgesics.
B. Local:
- Aural toilet (Suction or dry mopping).
- Packing the External Auditory Canal with gause strip soaked with Glycerine icthyol, or steroids and antiseptic like Kenacomb cream.
- Local heat.
- Incision: in case of abscess formation.
References:
van Asperen IA, de Rover CM, Schijven JF, Oetomo SB, Schellekens JF, van Leeuwen NJ, et al. Risk of otitis externa after swimming in recreational fresh water lakes containingPseudomonas aeruginosa. BMJ. 1995;311:1407–10