Author: Kishan Indrakumar, Thomas Moore / Editor: Tim Osborne / Codes: / Published: 05/06/2025
A 28-year-old woman presents to the emergency department (ED) with a 3-day history of increasing pain, redness, and swelling of her left ear. These symptoms began shortly after obtaining a new ear piercing. The pain is severe, especially upon touch, but she denies any fever.
On examination, the pinna is erythematous, warm, and tender along the helical rim, while the earlobe remains unaffected. There is no visible discharge from the piercing site, the external auditory canal is clear, and the tympanic membrane appears normal.
Observations:
- Temperature: 37.2 C
- Heart Rate: 78 bpm
- Blood Pressure: 120/80 mmHg
- Respiratory Rate: 16 breaths per minute
- Oxygen Saturation: 98% on room air
