이수부 표피낭종 감염에 대한 임상적 고찰

Background and Objectives: Epidermal cyst is intradermal or subcutaneous sac-like structure which is lined with squamous epithelium containing keratohyalin granules. The incidence of epidermal cysts on ear lobe is increasing due to piercing for earrings. Also infection and inflammation of the cyst is frequently seen. The purpose of this study is to report clinical and microbiological features of infected epidermal cysts on ear lobe and to set a better strategy for preventing recurrent infection and inflammation. Subjects and Method: We clinically reviewed 34 cases of infected epidermal cyst on ear lobe in 28 patients that were treated at the national police hospital from August 2001 to August 2004. We described about the frequency of infection, duration of treatment, cultured organisms, antibiotic sensitivity of cultured strains and result of treatment. Results: All cases were treated with surgical drainage & antibiotics, and mean period of treatment was 8.6 days. Among 34 cases, 4 strains of aerobic bacteria were isolated in 29 culture-positive cases. Among the cultured organisms, Coagulase-negative staphylococcus was the most common. There was no recurrence after surgical excision. Conclusion: Epidermal cyst on ear lobe requires complete surgical excision to prevent repeated infection and inflammation. Cephalosporin or quinolone may be the preferred choice of drug. The role of anaerobes needs further investigation. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2004;15:256–260)