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Suggest Treatment For Abscess Behind Ear
Question: I had an abscess behind my ear drained several months ago. The second visit to my doctor was a week after the drainage and the packing had already fallen out by then. He said it should be fine and to just let it heal,but there is still a big layer of bulging skin present. It`s not bleeding or hurting. Is this normal?
Brief Answer:
Slight bulge persists after drainage, please do ultrasound scan if in doubt
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. If your abscess has been drained many months back then it is probably the healing of the area that is appearing like a bulging of skin.
2. Healing in a drained abscess occurs as formation of healthy granulation tissue and sometimes the bulge in the region might persist even after healing is complete.
3. Since it is not hurting therefore there is no serious concern. However, I suggest you to consult your doctor and get an ultrasound scan of the area done if required, to make sure that there is no chronic collection in the area under the bulge.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Slight bulge persists after drainage, please do ultrasound scan if in doubt
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. If your abscess has been drained many months back then it is probably the healing of the area that is appearing like a bulging of skin.
2. Healing in a drained abscess occurs as formation of healthy granulation tissue and sometimes the bulge in the region might persist even after healing is complete.
3. Since it is not hurting therefore there is no serious concern. However, I suggest you to consult your doctor and get an ultrasound scan of the area done if required, to make sure that there is no chronic collection in the area under the bulge.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
How long does it usually take for the raised tissue to heal and flatten out if possible? I wasn't able to find any information on anyone else having this particular situation.
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. There is no single answer to your query. An abscess healing depends on the size, location, amount of pus formation and treatment given. Smaller abscesses start healing after a couple of days and larger ones might take weeks and few months.
2. The points of significance during abscess healing is getting all the pus out and that is why packing is done. Once the pack is removed, an empty cavity is formed and this starts healing and the skin over the surface gets sealed off. If there is residual pus forming in the cavity and the skin over it seals itself then the pus gets trapped in the cavity. This pus degenerates with time.
3. It is also possible that the tissues over the abscess cavity are replaced slowly with healing tissue and the bulge is not of any significance. Sometimes scar forms a soft lump over the abscess area and is due to hypertrophic scar. This persists and is unlikely to subside naturally.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. There is no single answer to your query. An abscess healing depends on the size, location, amount of pus formation and treatment given. Smaller abscesses start healing after a couple of days and larger ones might take weeks and few months.
2. The points of significance during abscess healing is getting all the pus out and that is why packing is done. Once the pack is removed, an empty cavity is formed and this starts healing and the skin over the surface gets sealed off. If there is residual pus forming in the cavity and the skin over it seals itself then the pus gets trapped in the cavity. This pus degenerates with time.
3. It is also possible that the tissues over the abscess cavity are replaced slowly with healing tissue and the bulge is not of any significance. Sometimes scar forms a soft lump over the abscess area and is due to hypertrophic scar. This persists and is unlikely to subside naturally.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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