Otitis Externa

Question 1

In what three ways does cerumen help protect the ear canal?

Answer 1

1. creates acidic environment = no bacterial/fungal growth
2. hydrophobic = repels water
3. sticky = traps fine particles

Question 2

What is the most well documented risk factor for development of otitis externa, other than the breakdown of the skin-cerumen barrier?

Answer 2

SWIMMING - why it’s called “swimmers ear”

• excess moisture leads to breakdown of skin-cerumen barrier, and changes microflora to more gram (-)

Question 3

What are the 3 most common pathogenic organisms that cause acute otitis externa?

Answer 3

Pseudomonas > Staph epidermidis > Staph aureus

Question 4

What is malignant external otitis (necrotizing external otitis)?

Answer 4

-

Question 5

What is the first-line antibiotic choice for Otitis Externa?

Answer 5

Ciprofloxacin-hydrocortisone or ‘Ciprodex’

• 4 drops in affected ear(s) BID for 7 days