|
|
Do NOT do this unless you have seen your doctor and he has made this suggestion
OTITIS EXTERNA
An infection of the ear canal (otitis externa) may be acute, subacute or chronic. It may be due to a skin condition (dandruff, eczema), an allergy (to foods, inhalants, fungus, cosmetics, or jewelry), an irritation (from middle ear drainage or use of a hearing aid), or nervous tension (scratching of the ear). In many cases a combination of these factors exists simultaneously. One problem may complicate or aggravate the other.
Regardless of the underlying cause, moisture and irritation (scratching) are usually responsible for keeping the problem active; both must be eliminated.
Under no circumstances should you allow water to enter the ear canal. When showering or washing the hair, place cotton or lambswool in the outer opening of the ear and cover the outside of this material with vaseline.
It is natural to scratch your ear if it itches. Unfortunately, this rubbing or scratching aggravates the skin condition greatly, regardless of the underlying cause. A so-called vicious circle of itch-scratch-itch occurs. Soon the ear opening and outer ear may become very sore. In most cases cleaning the ear with Q-tips is only an excuse to scratch it and you must not do this unless your doctor specifically recommends the use of a Q-tip. Most treatment will be ineffective if you persist in scratching.
TREATMENT
1. Do not allow soap, water or peroxide to enter the ear canal.
2. Do not scratch or otherwise irritate your ear canal.
3. If you wear a hearing aid it is best that you leave it out of the involved ear as much as possible until the inflammation subsides.
4. Your doctor will recommend medication to help the skin condition and decrease the itching. These medications may include ointments, medicated eardrops, alcohol eardrops or vinegar swishes.
5. In certain cases allergy tests and injections may be indicated.
|
