Otitis Externa

Clinical Description

This is an inflammation of the skin lining the external auditory canal. May be a furuncle or diffuse.

Signs and Symptoms

• Ear pain
• Itchiness
• Mild Hearing loss

Investigations

• Ear swab for culture and sensitivity

Pharmacological

A. Furuncle

• Give Amoxicillin 50 mg/kg in 3 divided doses for 5 days.
• Give Analgesia

Alternatively:

• Give Flucloxacillin 500mg 6 hourly for 5 days
• Make a wick of ribbon gauze impregnated with Hydrocortisone or Betamethasone cream and gently insert in the ear for 2 to 3 days.

B. DIFFUSE OTITIS EXTERNA

• Dry Mop Ear
• Give Analgesia when necessary
• Give Ciprofloxacin ear drops 6 hourly for 5 days