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| Otitis in the outer ear (otitis externa) |
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Reviewed by Dr Robert Mills, consultant otolaryngologist
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What is otitis of the outer ear?
Otitis is an inflammation of the skin lining the ear
canal.
What causes otitis?
Usually, there is a combination of factors. It may be a mixture
of fungal and bacterial infection on top of some trauma to the skin, or it may
be associated with some other skin condition, such as
eczema, in which the
skin is more prone to infection.
What are the symptoms?
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It often begins with an itchy ear.
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There is discharge from the ear.
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There is a pain in the ear which is made worse by pushing or
pulling the ear lobe or moving the jaw.
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The ear canal may partially close up due to swelling of the
inflamed skin.
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In severe cases the hearing may be reduced.
How do you contract otitis?
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Swimming in dirty water.
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Getting water in your ears while showering or
bathing.
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Irritation due to foreign objects, such as cotton buds or
earplugs, that are left in the ear for a period of time.
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Skin allergy and
other skin conditions.
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Diabetes or other
diseases that may cause increased vulnerability to infections.
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Hair spray or hair colour that gets into the ear
canal.
What can be done to avoid otitis?
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Avoid cleaning the ear with cotton buds.
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Try to avoid getting water in your ears. For example, cotton
wool coated with petroleum jelly can be used to plug the ears in a
shower.
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If you have previously experienced otitis, it is a good idea to
restart treatment early if it seems to be recurring.
How does the doctor diagnose otitis?
Inspection of the ear canal will show redness and swelling of
the lining, some flaking of the skin and, perhaps, a foul-smelling discharge if
it is very active.
Possible deterioration
The infection can become chronic. In rare cases, the
inflammation makes the ear canal so narrow that the condition becomes very
difficult treat. With appropriate treatment, however, the problem usually
resolves quickly.
What kind of treatment and medication can be
prescribed?
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The most important thing is to avoid further irritation of the
skin in the ear.
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This is done by not using cotton buds and not massaging the ear
canal with your hands as this prolongs the healing process.
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The doctor will usually begin the treatment by cleaning the
ear.
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The medical treatment may consist of
ear drops or ointment that contain
steroids, antibiotics or antifungal medication.
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Strong
painkillers may sometimes be
necessary.
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Antibiotics in tablet form are needed
only for severe infections, in which the tissues surrounding the ear appear to
be becoming inflamed.
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Based on a text by Lars Trier Hansen, consultant
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Last updated 02.06.2005
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