External Ear, Infections Treatment & Management

  • Author: Ashutosh Kacker, MD; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA   more...
 
Updated: Sep 17, 2009
 

Medical Care

In most cases, treatment consists of acidification of the ear canal with drops, with or without topical antibiotics, although systemic antibiotics may also be necessary. Eczematoid or psoriatic otitis externa often responds to topical steroid drops but may be chronic or recurrent. The ear may require frequent suction debridement under a microscope. If significant canal edema develops, an Oto-Wick may be required to allow delivery of otopical medications into the medial canal. Otitis externa can be very painful and may require narcotic analgesics to control pain.

Next

Surgical Care

Surgical debridement is usually reserved for malignant otitis externa or for complications of otitis externa such as external canal stenosis.

Previous
Next

Consultations

Refractory otitis externa requires an otolaryngology consult.

Previous
Proceed to Medication
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Ashutosh Kacker, MD  Associate Professor of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Otolaryngology, Weill College of Medicine of Cornell University; Consulting Staff, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York Hospital of Queens

Ashutosh Kacker, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Rhinologic Society, and Triological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Jack A Shohet, MD  Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine; Otolaryngologist, Shohet Ear Associates Medical Group, Inc

Jack A Shohet, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Medical Association, American Neurotology Society, American Tinnitus Association, and California Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Gerard J Gianoli, MD  Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine; Vice President, The Ear and Balance Institute; Chief Executive Officer, Ponchartrain Surgery Center

Gerard J Gianoli, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American College of Surgeons, American Neurotology Society, American Otological Society, Society of University Otolaryngologists-Head and Neck Surgeons, and Triological Society

Disclosure: Vesticon, Inc. None Board membership

Christopher L Slack, MD  Otolaryngology-Facial Plastic Surgery, Private Practice, Associated Coastal ENT; Medical Director, Treasure Coast Sleep Disorders

Christopher L Slack, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA  Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine

Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Head and Neck Society

Disclosure: Covidien Corp Consulting fee Consulting; US Tobacco Corporation unstricted gift unknown; Axis Three Corporation Ownership interest Consulting; Omni Biosciences Ownership interest Consulting; Sentegra Ownership interest Board membership; Syndicom Ownership interest Consulting; Oxlo Consulting; Medvoy Ownership interest Management position; Cerescan Imaging Honoraria Consulting; GYRUS ACMI Honoraria Consulting

References

  1. Alva B, Prasad KC, Prasad SC, Pallavi. Temporal bone osteomyelitis and temporoparietal abscess secondary to malignant otitis externa. J Laryngol Otol. Apr 17 2009;1-4. [Medline].

  2. [Guideline] Rosenfeld RM, Brown L, Cannon CR, Dolor RJ, Ganiats TG, Hannley M, et al. Clinical practice guideline: acute otitis externa. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Apr 2006;134(4 Suppl):S4-23. [Medline].

  3. Brook I. Treatment of otitis externa in children. Paediatr Drugs. Oct-Dec 1999;1(4):283-9. [Medline].

  4. Mirza N. Otitis externa. Management in the primary care office. Postgrad Med. May 1996;99(5):153-4, 157-8. [Medline].

  5. Morden NE, Berke EM. Topical fluoroquinolones for eye and ear. Am Fam Physician. Oct 15 2000;62(8):1870-6. [Medline].

  6. Selesnick SH. Otitis externa: management of the recalcitrant case. Am J Otol. May 1994;15(3):408-12. [Medline].

  7. Tierney MR, Baker AS. Infections of the head and neck in diabetes mellitus. Infect Dis Clin North Am. Mar 1995;9(1):195-216. [Medline].

 
Previous
Next
 
Anatomy of the external and middle ear.
 
 
 
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2012 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.