Otitis Externa

Question 1

What is it?

Causes?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the external ear canal

Staph aureus
Non-infectious dermatitis

Question 2

When is it most common?

Answer 2

7-12 even though it can effect any age

Question 3

Main 2 symptoms

3 types?

Answer 3

Itch
Pain

Localized OE
Diffuse OE
Malignant OE

Question 4

Localized OE - what is it exactly?

Diffuse OE - what is it exactly? another name for it?

Answer 4

Folliculitis or furuncle

Swimmers ear - widespread scaly inflamed skin

Question 5

Malignant OE:

Another name for it?

Why is this one important?

Who is it more common in?

Presentation

Answer 5

Necrotizing otitis

Rare but SEVERE

Immunocompromised
DM

Severe pain
Discharge 
Hearing loss 
Tissue destruction
Spread to bone

Question 6

Investigations

Answer 6

Otoscopy

Swab rarely needed unless malignant OE

Question 7

Management of:

Localised OE

Diffuse OE
Malignant OE

Answer 7

Self-resolves
Oral antibiotics for spreading
Incision and drainage

Topical antimicrobrial (ciprofloxacin) and/or corticosteroid (dexamethasone) 
They can be combined e.g. OTOMIZE - SEEN WITH CHRIS AT GP 

Ciprofloxacin PO/IV

Question 8

Self care can prevent recurrence - what can be done?

Answer 8

Keep ears clean and dry
Keep water, soap and shampoo out
Use earplugs when swimming
Avoid cotton buds