Otitis Externa - II

• Bacterial infection of the whole skin lining of the external auditory canal.

• Causative organisms: Streptococci, Staphylococci Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B. proteus.

• Predisposing Factors:

1. Skin laceration:

2. Skin maceration:

• Hot humid atmosphere with excessive sweating and frequent bathing.

• Discharge of chronic suppurative otitis media.

3. Diabetic or allergic patients.

4. Lack of hygienic habits as drying ears after bath with dirty towels.

• Clinical picture:

1. Earache increases on moving the jaw e.g. during mastication.

2. Hearing loss when edema is severe and occludes the external canal.

3. Otorrhoea: scanty and purulent.

4. Tenderness on moving the auricle and pressure on the tragus.

5. Skin of the canal is red, oozing, tender, and swollen≫ narrow lumen.

6. Pre and post-auricular lymphadenitis.

7. Normal tympanic membrane if it can be seen.

• Treatment:

1. Prevention of the predisposing factors e.g. proper hygienic habits.
2. Systemic treatment: antibiotics and analgesics.
3. Local treatment:

• Aural toilet i.e. repeated removal of the ear discharge by suction or dry mopping.

• Packing the canal with a gauze strip soaked with antibiotic / corticosteroid or Aluminum acetate 8% ear drops.

Category: ENT Notes