How rare is Preauricular?

Frequency of preauricular sinus differs depending the population: 0.1–0.9% in the US, 0.9% in the UK, and 4–10% in Asia and parts of Africa. Preauricular sinuses are inherited features, and most often appear unilaterally. They are present bilaterally in 25–50% of cases.

Is Preauricular sinus surgery painful?

A potential alternative to incision and drainage is the use of a blunt-ended lacrimal probe inserted into the preauricular pit in order to open the abscess cavity. However, acute inflammation usually makes this option technically difficult and painful.

What is the treatment for Preauricular sinus?

Preauricular sinus may occur sporadically during the development of an embryo or it may be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner with reduced penetrance . Less often, it occurs as a feature of another condition or syndrome . Treatment may include antibiotics for infection and/or surgery to remove the sinus.

How long does ear pit surgery take?

The procedure is done under general anesthesia and may take up to an hour; it can be done in an outpatient facility. A surgeon will usually postpone surgery until after an infection and residual inflammation are cleared up. Pits behind the external auditory canal require two incisions to remove the tract completely.

What causes a preauricular pit?

Preauricular pits form during development in the uterus. They likely result from imperfect fusion of the auricle, which is the visible part of the ear. The auricle forms during the sixth week of gestation. The pits may be inherited, which means that they can run in families.

Should I clean preauricular pit?

Preauricular pits are usually harmless and don’t require any treatment. But if the pit develops an infection, your child may need an antibiotic to clear it up. Make sure they take the full course prescribed by their doctor, even if the infection seems to clear up before then.

How rare is Preauricular? Frequency of preauricular sinus differs depending the population: 0.1–0.9% in the US, 0.9% in the UK, and 4–10% in Asia and parts of Africa. Preauricular sinuses are inherited features, and most often appear unilaterally. They are present bilaterally in 25–50% of cases. Is Preauricular sinus surgery painful? A potential alternative to…