Question 1

what is the best treatment for otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Ear drops: For uncomplicated otitis externa that's not severe, drops like cortisporin (neomycin polymyxin and hydrocortisone) otic work fine. Severe cases may require different ear drops, and maybe oral antibiotics if it's really bad. To prevent, use drops that are a mix of 2 parts vinegar & 1 part rubbing alcohol- let them run in & right back out any time you get water in ears; don't use if already infected.

Question 2

what's a simple, cheap treatment for my otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Vinegar: For mild cases, white vinegar can help. It can also be used after swimming ( a couple of drops) to prevent swimmers ear. But the ear drum needs to be intact (without a hole) before one can use it..Otherwise it will burn.

Question 3

what are the treatments for acute otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic drops: As above, occasionally the debris must be cleared for drops to get deep into the troubled area.

Question 4

my otitis externa is now okay and doesn't hurt anymore but there's a pimple like still inside i can feel it. and some smelly water coming out.

Accepted Answer

Continue treating: Continue applying the medication you were using until this has cleared.   Or go back and see an ENT doctor.

Question 5

what is the lay term for "otitis externa"?

Accepted Answer

Swimmer's ear: "itis" means inflammation. "oto" or something like that means ear. So otitis means inflammation of ear.  Externa just refers to outer part of ear (canal & visible portion) which is inflammed. Otitis media is the more common middle ear infection (other side of drum) in kids. Otitis externa is more common in swimmers (surfers, too) who can't/don't dry their ears completely.

Question 6

my husband's grandparent might have otitis externa. what is it?

Accepted Answer

Swimmer's ear: Sometimes a small drop of water can get trapped behind a small piece of wax in the ear canal, either from swimming or bathing. Then, because it is a warm place, bacteria or fungus can grow causing pain and swelling, which can be severe. Ear drops and sometimes oral antibiotics and steroids are used to treat this condition.

Question 7

what is otitis media vs otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

3 ear sections: Inner ear= the ear nerve
middle ear= the chamber with the ear bones between the ear drum and the ear nerve
outer ear= canal and outer ear structure 
otitis media implys  germs inside the ear drum in the middle chamber.Otitis externa implys germs or inflammation of the canal.

Question 8

otitis externa with severe jaw pain is this typical?

Accepted Answer

Can happen: External otitis can be very painful and cause jaw pain. If the pain is increasing and you are already being treated for the ear infection, it could be a sign that you are developing a cellulitis outside the ear canal. Should have it checked.

Question 9

is it normal to have severe jaw pain if you are suffering from otitis externa?

Accepted Answer

Possible: The pain can radiate from the ear down the jaw.  Good luck and hope your pain goes away.

Question 10

i am having otitis externa.will it heal by itself? if not, can i rinse my ears by myself? will it worsen if not treated?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Can heal with self treatment. Keep ear dry except for 2% acetic acid solution drops (OTC) 3-4 times daily. DO NOT use Q-tips as these cause external otitis. If not improved, see ENT doc for definitive treatment.

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Otitis externa treatment in pregnancy

A member asked:

What is the best treatment for otitis externa?

A member asked:

What's a simple, cheap treatment for my otitis externa?

A member asked:

What are the treatments for acute otitis externa?

A member asked:

My otitis externa is now okay and doesn't hurt anymore but there's a pimple like still inside i can feel it. and some smelly water coming out.

A member asked:

What is the lay term for "otitis externa"?

A member asked:

My husband's grandparent might have otitis externa. what is it?

A member asked:

What is otitis media vs otitis externa?

A member asked:

Otitis externa with severe jaw pain is this typical?

A member asked:

Is it normal to have severe jaw pain if you are suffering from otitis externa?

A member asked:

I am having otitis externa.will it heal by itself? if not, can i rinse my ears by myself? will it worsen if not treated?

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