Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Preauricular sinus pit
My son has had a preauricular sinus pit since birth. we noticed the white liquid drainage from it since Feb last week. it's still the same and not stopping. we saw a pediatrician and an ENT. they gave 2 different antibiotics. so first he took Cephalexin antibiotics for ten days. then he took bactrim antibiotics for next ten days. but it didn't stop at all. the drainage keeps coming back. will it not stop with antibiotics? is it normal to have drainage for so long? it's white liquid and whenever we pull the ear, the drainage comes. it doesn't smell bad. do I need to see another ENT ? what antibiotics work for this? ENT talked about surgery. can we do surgery while it still leaks the drainage?
Answers (5)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
need to ask few more questions before answering your query.
Early consultations can prevent complications.
Kindly contact me on whatsapp chat
(84960595 six five)
Dr Faisal Zoheb
MBBS , MD PAEDIATRICS , PGPN (BOSTON), Neonatology fellow ( Newborn and vaccination specialist )
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced orthopedist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+158
Surgery is needed. Antibiotics only control the infection. They cannot close the sinus. Only surgery can cure this problem
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If you give Antibiotics it will give only temporary cure
Definative treatment for permanent cure is only surgery
You need to go for surgery
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
preauricular sinus pit with persistent white drainage, which is consistent with a chronic accumulation of skin cells and debris within the narrow sinus tract. Antibiotics like Cephalexin and Bactrim treat active bacterial infections (cellulitis) but cannot remove the underlying tract, which acts as a reservoir for recurring drainage or a potential chronic abscess. Definitive treatment usually requires surgical excision of the entire tract, which ENTs typically prefer to perform once acute inflammation has subsided to reduce the risk of recurrence. It is common for drainage to continue if the tract is deep or branched, and surgery may still be performed while it leaks if the infection is stable rather than acute. Persistent drainage could also resemble a sebaceous cyst or an infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, so consider asking for a culture and sensitivity test.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Definitive treatment = Complete excision of sinus tract
Important points:
• Surgery is the only permanent cure
• It removes the entire tract → prevents recurrence
Preferably NO
Best practice:
1. First control infection (if active inflammation present)
2. Wait till:
• No redness
• No swelling
• Minimal or no discharge
3. Then do surgery
Operating during active infection = higher chance of recurrence
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.