Hello Doctor,
I wanted to talk to you about something concerning my ear. Recently, I noticed a wart on it, and it seemed like it was starting to come off. So, I thought it might be a good idea to try to remove it myself. I used a rough towel to scrape it off. Initially, there wasn't much bleeding, and it didn't look too red. However, today I noticed it's gotten redder, and it feels a bit hard when I touch it. I'm worried I might have damaged the skin or that it might be infected. Can you please help me understand what's going on?
Hello, Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge your proactive approach to managing your health. It's important to take care of any skin issues, especially when they're on delicate areas like the ear.
Based on your description, it's quite possible that when you used the rough towel to remove the wart, you may have disrupted the skin layer covering it. This could explain the redness and hardness you're experiencing now. However, it's also crucial to consider the possibility of infection, as any break in the skin can potentially lead to this complication.
My recommendation at this point would be to schedule an appointment for an in-person evaluation as soon as possible. During the appointment, I'll be able to thoroughly examine the affected area and provide you with a definitive diagnosis. Depending on the findings, I may suggest various treatment options, ranging from topical or oral medications to procedures like cryotherapy.
In the meantime, it's essential to take good care of the area. Avoid touching it unnecessarily, and make sure to keep it clean and dry. You may consider applying over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or cream to help prevent any potential infection from worsening. Additionally, if you're experiencing any discomfort, you can safely take over-the-counter pain-relieving medication to alleviate it.
Please don't hesitate to contact our office to schedule your appointment. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and I look forward to assisting you in resolving this issue promptly.
Thanks
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