4.1.2.1
Otitis Externa
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 4, Ear, Nose and Throat Conditions.
Clinical Description
This is an inflammation of the skin lining the external auditory canal. May be a furuncle or diffuse.
Signs and Symptoms
- Ear pain
- Itchiness
- Mild Hearing loss
Investigations
- Ear swab for culture and sensitivity
Pharmacological
A. Furuncle
- Give Amoxicillin 50 mg/kg in 3 divided doses for 5 days.
- Give Analgesia
Alternatively:
- Give Flucloxacillin 500mg 6 hourly for 5 days
- Make a wick of ribbon gauze impregnated with Hydrocortisone or Betamethasone cream and gently insert in the ear for 2 to 3 days.
B. DIFFUSE OTITIS EXTERNA
- Dry Mop Ear
- Give Analgesia when necessary
- Give Ciprofloxacin ear drops 6 hourly for 5 days
Check doses against the printed guideline and your clinical judgement before treating a patient. Spotted an error? Report it from the contact links below.
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