Live Life Team
Complications
Otitis externa usually do not have any complication. But there can be chance for the following complication to occur:
Abscesses
A pus-filled growth forming around and in the affected ear resulting in infection are Abscesses. These have the tendency to heal on its but in certain cases pus needs to be drained by the doctor.
Stenosis of the ear canal
If you have chronic otitis externa, build up of dry thick skin in ear canal is formed. It is called as stenosis. This affects the hearing as built up skin narrows the ear canal and in few cases causes deafness. Stenosis can be treated by using ear drops.
Inflamed or perforated ear drum
Both conditions Acute diffuse and chronic otitis externa, there are possibilities for infection to spread to ear drum. In few cases pus is build inside the inner ear and also may rupture the ear drum. With ruptured ear drum heals on its own in couple of month’s time but you need to avoid any kind of liquid entering the ear. In this case ear drops are not recommended. In this scenario, oral antibiotics are prescribed to treat otitis externa. You can use painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol to ease the pain caused by perforated ear drum. A flannel or warm towel can be used to put on the ear and to minimize the pain.
Cellulitis
Otitis externa causes a bacterial skin infection called cellullitis. Bacteria living on the skin surface enter deeper layers of skin through damaged area caused by otitis externa. This can spread from layers of the skin to tissues around, blood stream and glands. Antibiotics can easily treat cellulitis.
Malignant otitis externa
This is very rare and also serious complication, wherein infection spreads till the bone around the ear canal. You may experience severe headaches and ear pain, face may be drooping at the side of the ear which is affected, exposed bone can be visible in ear canal if you have malignant otitis externa. People with damaged immune system, diabetes, undergoing chemotherapy, HIV positive are highly prone to this condition. This can be dangerous with out treatment. You can treat it by using surgery and antibiotics.
Prevention
Many things can be done to avoid and prevent otitis externa from recurring.
Avoid damaging ears
You are not recommended to use cotton wool buds and other objects in your ears. Wax comes out naturally and cotton buds should be used around the outer ear (pinna).
If building of ear wax is a problem, it should be removed by a healthcare professional.
Keep ears clean and dry
During bathing or shower, use a shower cap and not let shampoo, soap and water get in the ear.
Towel corners should not be used to clean ears, instead use a low setting hairdryer to dry ears.
While swimming, use swimming hats to cover ears or ear plugs.
Prevent and treat other skin conditions
In case you develop otitis externa & you get allergic disposition. You need to consult your doctor who will recommend you a more suitable ear drops.
If allergic reactions are caused due to any object placed inside the ear like earring, ear plugs and hearing aids, you need to remove them immediately. If the allergic reaction is mild, it clears itself.
Medical consultation is required for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, with right medication it can be treated.
Always use acidifying spray or ear drops to clean your ears, especially after and before swimming. These prevent recurrence of otitis externa and are readily available at pharmacies.
