Abstract
Answer C. Treat with ciprofloxacin
The history and examination findings are suggestive of pinna perichondritis. This usually spares the ear lobe. The causative agent is commonly Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Initially oral antibiotics covering this bacterium should be started, namely with ciprofloxacin. Flucloxacillin would usually be given for pinna cellulitis. Incision and drainage would only be indicated if an abscess had formed. Corticosteroids can be tried in recurrent pinna perichondritis (although few clinical trials have been done for this).
InnovAiT article: Problems affecting the pinna. DOI: 10.1177/1755738020958427.