Inflammation of the outer ear canal

Aetiology

• Almost always infective but may simply be inflammatory (e.g. response to shampoo, ear drops)

Bacterial causes

• Staph. aureus
• Proteus spp.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Fungal causes

• Aspergillus niger
• Candida albicans

Common triggers

• Water exposure
• Cotton buds
• Skin conditions

Clinical features

• Redness and swelling of the skin of the ear canal
• May be itchy (especially in the early stages)
• Can become sore and painful
• There may be a discharge, or increased amounts of ear wax
• If the canal becomes blocked by swelling or secretions, hearing can be affected