Infections of the external ear

Abstract

Any inflammatory condition of the auricle, external ear canal or outer surface of the tympanic membrane is an external otitis. It can be caused by infection, other inflammatory dermatoses, trauma or combinations of these three. It may be acute or chronic, localized or diffuse. This article reviews in detail the causes, treatment and prevention of the most common of these disorders due to infection: "swimmer's ear" or acute diffuse external otitis. A severe form of this condition, necrotizing or "malignant" external otitis, although rare in children, is also discussed. © 1985 by Williams & Wilkins Co.