Otitis

• Otitis Externa

It’s also known as “Swimmer’s ear”, inflammation of the skin lining the ear canal and surrounding soft tissue.
Continuous wetting of the ear canal and local trauma increase the risk. Pseudomonas-A and Staph-aureus are the
most common pathogens.
Essentials of diagnosis
1. Ear pruritus and pain exacerbated by moving the ear canal, which is inflamed, swollen, and macerated with
purulent discharge.
2. Systemic symptoms may or may not be present.
Treatment
1. Topical antibiotics: Eardrops with polymyxin B, neomycin, and hydrocortisone are very effective. Dicloxacillin is
good for acute infection.
2. Patient with diabetes (DM) is at increased risk for malignant otitis externa and skull osteomyelitis, requiring IV
antibiotics in hospital.
3. Prevention: For frequent swimming activities, use ear spray with dilute alcohol immediately after swimming.