Otitis Externa
Inflammation of the external auditory meatus is a common and annoying condition. Itching is troublesome and scratching aggravates it by causing secondary infection and even infective eczematoid dermatitis. Clinical features are redness, slight crusting and occasional discharge. Common causes are seborrhoeic dermatitis, streptococcal infection and neurodermatitis. Occasionally, it is secondary to suppurative otitis media.
Treatment of Otitis Externa
Treatment consists of cleaning with spirit and application of corticosteroid and bacitracin cream. The underlying causes must be tackled at the same time. Nystatin and polymyxin are useful in monilial and pseudomonas infections respectively. Grenz ray therapy is useful in chronic resistant cases.
|
