Question
My child was born without any issues, but recently, they’ve been constantly scratching their ears. How can I tell if my child’s anteriorauricular fistula is infected?
Answer
Some babies are born with a small opening on the side of their anterior auricle, which is a congenital anomaly known as an “anteriorauricular fistula.” This is a layer of skin that indents, and normally, the fistula contains secretions from the epidermis and sebaceous glands. If bacteria invade, it can lead to infection and inflammation. When infected, the area may become red, swollen, hot, painful, and even develop purulent discharge, granulation tissue, or scars. When the anteriorauricular fistula is not infected, avoid squeezing the area with your hands and keep it clean to prevent infection. If infection occurs, control it immediately and surgically remove the fistula.