Otitis externa involves inflammation of the external ear canal often caused due to trauma to the ear canal, foreign body in ear, wax in ear or dermatological conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Patients often complain of earache, fullness in ear, redness, oedema or fluid discharge. Before starting treatment, it is important to remove foreign body if any.
Medications:
- Tab. Combiflam (Ibuprofen 400 mg, Paracetamol 325 mg) 1 tablet thrice a day for 3 days.
- Ear/eye drops Ciplox (Ciprofloxacin 0.3% w/v) – 4 drops twice a day for 7 days in the affected ear.
- In severe case – cap. Moxikind (Amoxicillin 500 mg) 1 capsule every 6 hours for 7 days.
General advice:
- Avoid scratching of ear
- Avoid insertion of non-sterile objects to clean ears
- Ensure ear is dried after baths
- Avoid using earplugs, headphones
Investigations:
- Otoscopy – to visualize abnormality of ear canal
Referral:
Consider further referral to ENT specialist if patient fails to improve or presents with additional complications.