title: Post-piercing perichondritis.
abstract: Piercing has become more and more popular among adolescents. The procedure is generally performed by unqualified professionals and carries its risk. Non-sterilized material or inappropiate hygiene increases the possibility of perichondritis and celulitis. The disease is characterized by erythema of the auricula pinna, unbearable pain and fever. Left untreated, the condition progresses with edema along the auricula and abscess formation that may result in ischemic necrosis and a cauliflower anesthetic deformation. The most common bacteria is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In cases with abscesses, drainage is necessary along with antibiotic therapy guided by cultures and antibiogram.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this case report was to review the past 10 years of published papers dealing with anatomical aspects of the auricular pinna, the history of piercing and its most common complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case report of perichondritis after 'high' ear piercing that required surgical treatment and that progressed with no esthetic loss.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Theoretical and practical experience based on a review and a report of a case that progressed satisfactorily.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The increased incidence of perichondritis in adolescents should require more elaborated primary prevention measures.
authors: Graduate Student.
authors: André de Paula
authors: AP
authors: Fernandez
authors: 1st-Year Graduate Students - SCMRJ.
authors: Ivan de Castro
authors: IC
authors: Neto
authors: PhD. Graduate Program Preceptor - SCMRJ.
authors: Christiane Ribeiro
authors: CR
authors: Anias
authors: MsC Student. Head of the IIa Infirmary - SCMRJ.
authors: Patrícia Ciminelli Linhares
authors: PCL
authors: Pinto
authors: Professor and PhD. Head of the IIa Infirmary - SCMRJ.
authors: Jair
authors: J
authors: de Carvalho E Castro
authors: 1st-Year Graduate Students - SCMRJ.
authors: Arturo Frick
authors: AF
authors: Carpes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D046288:Body Piercing / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000302:isolation & purification