OTITIS EXTERNA

The inflammation or swelling of external ear which means that of pinna and ear passage known as external auditory canal is called otitis externa. The most common cause of this problem is pocking of objects like pins, match stick or keys when a person feels itching in ear or self cleaning of the ear. The patient feels pain in the ear especially while eating and on touching or pressing the auricle. The patient can have discharge from the ear. There can be fever also.Ear ache is one of the severest aches of the body. Painkillers help in reducing the pain as well as swelling. Hot fomentation over the pinna really helps in reducing the discomfort. Hygroscopic agents like glycerine should be instilled in the ear which helps in reducing the swelling. One should contact an ENT specialist who can pack the ear canal with a wick impregnated with antibiotic,steroid and keratolytic ointment. Oral antibiotics,pain killers and local drops containing antibiotic and steroids along with lignocaine are to be used for a couple of days.