Don’t miss this “ear”-resistible episode on outer ear infections, also known as otitis externa or swimmer’s ear!

This episode was written by Dr. Tammy Yau and Dr. Lidia Park with content support from Dr. Lena van Der List. Drs. Tammy and Lidia take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation. 

Key Points:

• Think otitis externa when your patient has ear pain, ear drainage, decreased hearing, and swelling or debris in the ear canal. 
• Treat otitis externa with otic aminoglycosides (neomycin, polymyxin B, trimethoprim-sulfate) when you have an intact tympanic membrane or fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin) if you can’t visualize the tympanic membrane or there is a perforation

Sources:

Pediatrics in Review 2013, https://doi.org/10.1542/pir.34-3-143