Erysipelas of external ear

**Definition:** A rapidly expanding diffuse superficial dermal streptococcal infection involving the external ear. In contrast with infective otitis externa, the skin of the auricle is often initially healthy except at a point of entry for beta-haemolytic streptococci (commonly at a fissure behind the ear or where the ear lobule is attached to the side of the head) and systemic features including fever and malaise are common.