Question
An infant aged one year has developed an infection in their preauricular plica, which has become red and swollen for four days and has now formed a purulent swelling. Can the swelling be punctured at home with a sterilized needle? What should be done for the treatment?
Answer
Once a purulent swelling has formed, it is advisable to visit an otolaryngology department for incision and drainage to avoid the swelling bursting the skin and causing a harder-to-heal wound. Pay attention to local cleaning, and iodine alcohol swabs can be used for disinfection. After drainage has healed, it is recommended to completely remove the plica to prevent recurrence of infection and reduce the child’s suffering. Self-puncture may cause larger scars and subsequent treatment will be more complex, so it is not recommended to handle it at home.