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Suggest Treatment For Painful Sores And Blisters On Ears
Question: Hi, I have sores/blisters on my ears that are painful. They start out feeling like lumps under the skin, but become blisters that are crusty and bleed when touched. A doctor did a culture of one of the blisters and said it was staph from Staphylococcus epidermidis. She prescribed Bactroban which I've been using, but the blisters are worse. They started out mostly inside of my ear (not inner ear though), but at this point they are all behind my ears. I'm not sure why they've migrated, but it hurts and it's gross. Any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Repeat C/S with MIC values. Change of medications, iv if required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. You need a repeat culture with an antibiotic sensitivity testing where the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations) are reported.
2. Staphyococcus epidermidis infections are opportunistic infections that can be difficult to treat if they are resistant to antibiotics. You may have picked this up from a hospital (nosocomial) or after medical treatment for some other problem. have you been through any such treatment recently?
3. The excoriation in the images, scab, discharge and inflammation shows that the Bactroban (mupirocin) has been ineffective. I would recommend higher antibiotics as per the culture and sensitivity and supportive anti-inflammatory and a change in local ointments (such as Betnovate GM). Indoor admission for intravenous antibiotics may also be considered if this does not respond or spreads.
4. It is also important to remember that this is a troublesome infection rather than an infection to worry about. This will respond to treatment.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Repeat C/S with MIC values. Change of medications, iv if required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. You need a repeat culture with an antibiotic sensitivity testing where the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations) are reported.
2. Staphyococcus epidermidis infections are opportunistic infections that can be difficult to treat if they are resistant to antibiotics. You may have picked this up from a hospital (nosocomial) or after medical treatment for some other problem. have you been through any such treatment recently?
3. The excoriation in the images, scab, discharge and inflammation shows that the Bactroban (mupirocin) has been ineffective. I would recommend higher antibiotics as per the culture and sensitivity and supportive anti-inflammatory and a change in local ointments (such as Betnovate GM). Indoor admission for intravenous antibiotics may also be considered if this does not respond or spreads.
4. It is also important to remember that this is a troublesome infection rather than an infection to worry about. This will respond to treatment.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Thank you for your reply. I saw a doctor today and he said that the blisters were not draining enough to do a culture, although I am sure if he had poked one of them, there would've been plenty of fluid. Anyway, he prescribed Bactrim, every 12 hours for 10 days. Do you think this might be effective?
I've been in and out of the ER twice during the past 6 months, but not over night. I was inpatient in a psychiatric facility for 4 days.
I've been in and out of the ER twice during the past 6 months, but not over night. I was inpatient in a psychiatric facility for 4 days.
Brief Answer:
Bactrim may work. Reassess in 48-72 hours.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. The doctor should have sent a repeat C/S.
2. In a couple of days you will be able to see if the Bactrim is working.
3. If it does, this will subside, otherwise follow the instructions in my previous answer.
4. This is a skin infection and not related to your past history.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Bactrim may work. Reassess in 48-72 hours.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. The doctor should have sent a repeat C/S.
2. In a couple of days you will be able to see if the Bactrim is working.
3. If it does, this will subside, otherwise follow the instructions in my previous answer.
4. This is a skin infection and not related to your past history.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more 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. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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