Otitis externa

Question 1

Causes of otitis externa include

Answer 1

nfection: bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) or fungal

seborrhoeic dermatitis

contact dermatitis (allergic and irritant)
recent swimming is a common trigger of otitis externa

Question 2

initial management of otitis externa

Answer 2

topical antibiotic or a combined topical antibiotic with a steroid

tympanic membrane is perforated aminoglycosides are traditionally not used*

if there is canal debris then consider removal

if the canal is extensively swollen then an ear wick

Question 3

if the infection is spreading

Answer 3

flucloxacillin)

Question 4

fails to respond to topical antibiotics then the patient should

Answer 4

referred to ENT.

Question 5

extension of infection into the bony ear canal and the soft tissues deep to the bony canal is called?

Answer 5

Malignant otitis externa

Question 6

Malignant otitis externa risk factor?

Answer 6

elderly diabetics