Otitis Externa Health Article

Alternative treatment

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) oil has anti-inflammatory properties and may be apppied to the infected ear canal (one to three drops every three hours) to help soothe and heal the ear. Garlic (Allium sativum) is a natural antibiotic. Garlic juice can be combined with equal parts of glycerin and a carrier oil such as olive or sweet olive and applied (one to three drops) to the infected ear every three hours.

Prognosis

The prognosis is excellent for otitis externa, for it is usually easily treated. Basic treatment measures will cure 90 percent of cases without complication. However, it may recur in certain susceptible individuals. Left untreated, malignant otitis externa may spread sufficiently to cause death.

Prevention

Swimming in polluted water and in pools or hot tubs without good chlorine and pH control should be avoided.

Keeping the ear dry is an important aspect of prevention of otitis externa. Before swimming, a protective coating consisting of several drops of mineral oil, baby oil, or lanolin can be applied to the ear canal. After swimming, several drops of a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar can be put into the ear canal to ensure that it dries adequately. The head should be tilted so that the solution reaches the bottom of the ear canal; then the liquid should be drained out.

Care should be taken when cleaning ears. The outer ear should be cleaned wiped with a clean washcloth. The use of pointed objects to dig into the ear canal, especially those that can scratch the skin, should be avoided.

The most serious complications of malignant otitis externa can be avoided by careful attention to early symptoms of ear pain and drainage from the ear canal. Children with conditions that put them at higher risk for this infection (diabetes or conditions that weaken the immune system) should always report new symptoms immediately to the doctor.