Otitis Externa

Question 1

is it common

Answer 1

yes

Question 2

what does the patient present with

Answer 2

conductive hearing loss, pain, itching and discharge

Question 3

what is otitis externa

Answer 3

inflammation of the skin of the ear canal

Question 4

what is the usual aetiology

Answer 4

infective and mostly bacterial

Question 5

when does otitis externa tend to be fungal

Answer 5

if a patient has been on ineffective treatment for a long period of time

Question 6

what are common causes

Answer 6

swimming, water, cotton buds and skin conditions

Question 7

what can be seen in patients with otitis externa

Answer 7

ear canal skin red and erythematous with pale debris and no good view of tympanic membrane