Live Life Team
Otitis externa is the condition where the ear canal connecting the ear drum and the outer ear, develops swelling. It is more common in women than in men.
Otitis externa is otherwise known as ‘tropical ear’ or ‘swimmer’s ear’ as it usually develops as a result of water getting into the ear canal. It can also occur due to allergic reactions to certain things that may come in contact with the ear canal or even due to an infection of some foreign body. Treatment can be given using analgesics and ear drops.
Symptoms
Otitis externa may be
Localised
Acute diffuse
or
chronic
The symptoms of Localised otitis externa, where the hair follicle of the ear canal develops infection, are:
Development of a red pimple with yellow pus in the center which is very small near the ear canal which may further progress to a boil
Experiencing severe pain in the ears while moving the ears.
Occasional deafness
Acute diffuse otitis externa is characterised by:
- painful swelling and redness of the pinna and ear canal
- presence of scale like skin around the ear canal that may later peel off
- pus like or watery discharge from the ears
- irritation and itchiness of the ear canal
- tenderness on moving the jaw and ear
- sore and swollen lymph nodes
- partial deafness
Chronic otitis externa is characterised by:
- persistent itchiness around ear canal
- pain and discomfort in the ear
- thin, watery discharge from the ear
- absence of wax in the ear
- stenosis or the collection of tick and dry skin in the ear canal.
Causes
The localised otitis externa occurs due to the follicular infection by Staphylococcus aureus. The causes of acute diffuse otitis externa as well as chronic otitis externa are:
- infection of the bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- seborrhoeic dermatitis
- mild ear infection of the inner ear like otitis media
- fungal infection due to fungi like Aspergillus stain and those which cause thrush.
- allergic as well as irritant reactions due to acquaintance with a foreign body
Factors triggering externa otitis are:
- damage to the ear
- presence of excessive moisture
- exposure to chemicals like hair sprays
- basic skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis or acne.
Treatment
The pain experienced due to localised otitis externa can be treated by the administering of analgesics like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Covering the ear with a warm towel also help to reduce the pain.
In case of acute diffuse otitis externa, analgesics can be used along with ear drops containing astringent or corticosteroid. Eardrops containing antifungal or antibiotics may also be sued to prevent infection. In case of severe acute diffuse otitis externa, microsuction is done to clean the ears for removing pus, wax or any other debris.
Chronic otitis externa may be treated by using topical ear drops that contain corticosteroid without the presence of antibiotics.
Complications
- Abscesses in the affected ear which may be drained
- Stenosis of the ear canal
- Perforated or inflamed ear drum
- Cellulits
- Malignant otitis externa
