Management of otitis externa
Keywords:
acute/chronic otitis externa, necrotising otitis externa, eczematous otitis externa, furunculosisAbstract
Otitis externa is commonly encountered both in otolaryngological practice and in primary healthcare. It can range in severity from a very mild infection to a life-threatening infection in the form of malignant otitis externa in immunocompromised patients. Sound knowledge of the microbiology and pathophysiology is important for the correct management of otitis externa. This article discusses the anatomy, epidemiology, aetiology and treatment of otitis externa.