Social Support Foundation (SSF) Adwoa Serwaa Bonsu October 2016 What is otitis externa? Social Support Foundation (SSF) Adwoa Serwaa Bonsu October 2016

How does the ear look like? Inner ear Middle ear Outer ear Source: https://www.earq.com/hearing-loss/ear-anatomy

What is otitis externa? Otitis = infection of the ear Externa = outer ear -> Infection of the skin covering the outer ear canal that leads into the ear drum Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4693 https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTqsaDOCtNkzG262uGCl4Alfm_guPP19dcIoTGu35fIfDy8j51h

What are the causes of otitis externa? This infection is usually caused by bacteria, such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, or pseudomonas The “Swimmer’s ear” is usually caused by excessive water exposure Infection with a fungus may also occur When water pools in the ear canal (frequently trapped by wax), the skin will become soggy and serve as an inviting culture media for bacteria Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4693

What are the Signs and symptoms of otitis externa? The first sign of otitis externa is that the ear feels full and may itch Next the ear canal swells, ear drainage follows, and the ear is very painful, especially with movement of the outside portion of the ear The ear canal can swell shut and the side of the face become swollen The glands of the neck may enlarge and it can become more difficult to open the jaw Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4693 https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ0TdcwMZLrzmDm4PEHv-HVEo2egzB_bpIqAyZBjflSgGD3b5ZC

How is otitis externa treated? antibiotic ear drops – this can treat an underlying bacterial infection corticosteroid ear drops – this can help to reduce swelling antifungal ear drops – this can treat an underlying fungal infection acidic ear drops – this can help kill bacteria If needed: painkillers Source: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Otitis-externa/Pages/Treatment.aspx

How is otitis externa prevented? Avoid damaging your ears -> Do not insert cotton wool buds or other objects into your ears Keep your ears dry and clean -> Do not let water, soap or shampoo get inside your ears when you wash them -> After washing, dry your ears, but never push the corners of a towel into your ears to dry them because this can cause damage Treat and prevent other skin conditions -> If you have an allergic reaction to anything that is placed inside your ears, such as hearing aids, earplugs or earrings, remove the item Source: http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/E/Ear-infection,-outer/Preventing-otitis-externa.html

Thank you very much for your attention! Social support foundation (SSF)