Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection in Twins Secondary to Aseptic Ear Piercing Technique
Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI), a potentially life-threatening condition, are usually difficult to diagnose due to its rare occurrence. The condition is often misdiagnosed as other soft tissue infections such as cellulitis, abscess, suppurative fasciitis, and necrotizing erysipelas, among others. NSTI of the ears is the most uncommon condition in this group. A journal reported a case where twins, 19 days old, developed concomitant NSTI of ears secondary to aseptic techniques of ear piercing. The presentation of NSTI of ears ranged from darkening of the rim of piercings, buttonhole ulcers and distortion of the ear. Both the babies were otherwise healthy. No history of ante-natal, perinatal and postnatal complications was present. Wound swabs were sent for culture and sensitivity. Povidone-iodine ointment was apple topically along with empirical antibiotic coverage by erythromycin and metronidazole. First twin’s wound culture divulged the presence of S. aureus. Second twin’s wound culture revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa along with S. aureus. Appropriate antibiotics were administered according to the sensitivity reports. The wounds healed well without any complication. Timely diagnosis and aggressive management of NSTI are imperative in order to prevent associated complications and decrease mortality. Reconstruction may be required for cosmetic purposes. Source: Necrotizing soft tissue infection of both ear lobules occurring concomitantly in a set of twins following non-aseptic ear piercing: a case report https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12887-020-1952-2 Image shows NSTI of ear lobules in twins (T1= First twin; T2= Second twin) Taken from https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12887-020-1952-2
