Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi, Recently I Have Had Some Minor Trauma To My
Question: Hi,
Recently I have had some minor trauma to my right outer ear. I have attached a photo. The area appears to be swollen. I believe injury was caused by wearing headphones for long periods.
I believe that I have suffered a similar injury in the past which led to an imbalance issue but the ENT in the past has said that it is not possible for the external injuries to cause the imbalance issues but couldn’t infection of the outer ear cause an inner ear issue? I feel that the current injury could be causing a similar sensation of imbalance at the moment.
How should the injury be treated?
Thanks,
Regards.
Recently I have had some minor trauma to my right outer ear. I have attached a photo. The area appears to be swollen. I believe injury was caused by wearing headphones for long periods.
I believe that I have suffered a similar injury in the past which led to an imbalance issue but the ENT in the past has said that it is not possible for the external injuries to cause the imbalance issues but couldn’t infection of the outer ear cause an inner ear issue? I feel that the current injury could be causing a similar sensation of imbalance at the moment.
How should the injury be treated?
Thanks,
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The attached image shows swelling and pus points on the tragus region of the external ear. This is consistent with long term use of headphones.
2. I would agree with your doctor that such a superficial infection and swelling is unlikely to cause imbalance. However, two separate conditions may occur at the same time in the external and internal ears. In addition, due to cross-connections between the cranial nerves, pain or swelling may cause a sensation of mild imbalance. Examination of the external ear canal and ear drum is necessary to comment on this
3. A rotine broad spectrum antibiotic, anti- inflammation medication and a local antibiotic ointment will suffice to treat this. Avoid use of headphones on the same side till healing is complete.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The attached image shows swelling and pus points on the tragus region of the external ear. This is consistent with long term use of headphones.
2. I would agree with your doctor that such a superficial infection and swelling is unlikely to cause imbalance. However, two separate conditions may occur at the same time in the external and internal ears. In addition, due to cross-connections between the cranial nerves, pain or swelling may cause a sensation of mild imbalance. Examination of the external ear canal and ear drum is necessary to comment on this
3. A rotine broad spectrum antibiotic, anti- inflammation medication and a local antibiotic ointment will suffice to treat this. Avoid use of headphones on the same side till healing is complete.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thanks Dr. Bhatti,
Regarding the antibiotic to be used, would keflex or ciprofloxacin be suitable? Or which antibiotic would best be suitable given I have an allergy to penicillin?
I am currently using bactroban. Is that alright or should I used fusidic acid cream instead? Are the anti-inflammatories to be taken orally or applied on the skin?
Thankyou,
Regards.
Regarding the antibiotic to be used, would keflex or ciprofloxacin be suitable? Or which antibiotic would best be suitable given I have an allergy to penicillin?
I am currently using bactroban. Is that alright or should I used fusidic acid cream instead? Are the anti-inflammatories to be taken orally or applied on the skin?
Thankyou,
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up
1. Since you have an allergy to the penicillin, keflex is not recommended. Azithromycin or Ciprofloxacin is fine.
2. Bactroban is a good choice. Keep fusidic acid as a stanby ointment.
3. Paracetamol should help as a oral anti inflammatory medication.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for following up
1. Since you have an allergy to the penicillin, keflex is not recommended. Azithromycin or Ciprofloxacin is fine.
2. Bactroban is a good choice. Keep fusidic acid as a stanby ointment.
3. Paracetamol should help as a oral anti inflammatory medication.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
