DEFINITION
DEFINITION
- Inflammation/infection of the external ear canal (before tympanic membrane)
- Also known as swimmer’s ear
- Categories: acute, chronic, malignant (necrotising)
PREVALENCE
- Common in swimmers
ETIOLOGY
Acute (<6 weeks):
- Bacterial: Staph aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Associated with dermatitis, acute otitis media, water exposure, trauma and canal obstruction