aka swimmers ear

Inflammation of the external ear canal (EAC).

• Acute OE: Lasts <6 weeks.
• Chronic OE: Lasts >6 weeks.

Demographics: swimmers, moist climates

Risk Factors:

• Increased moisture in the EAC (i.e. swimming, humid climate).
• Injury/maceration to the skin of the EAC (i.e. cleaning, insertion of foreign objects, excessive itching).
• Immunosuppression (i.e. DM, HIV).

Aetiology

• Infectious:
  • Bacterial infections (most common cause of OE).
    • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (most common, associated with swimming).
    • Staph aureus, proteus mirabilis, E.coli.
  • Viral infections (rare): Herpes zoster, influenza.
  • Fungal infections (less common): Aspergillus, candida.
• Non-infectious causes: Seborrheic OE (associated with seborrheic dermatitis).

Clinical features

• Severe ear pain, particularly at night.
• Otorrhoea/crusting of the EAC.
• Pruritus of the EAC.
• Jaw pain.