Clean the ear canal (Grade C)
Cerumen wire loop or cotton swab usually works best
1:1 dilution of 3% hydrogen peroxide if tympanic membrane is visible and intact
Acetic acid wash for debridement of dead skin
Place a wick if the ear canal is fully obstructed
Cerumen wire loop or cotton swab usually works best
1:1 dilution of 3% hydrogen peroxide if tympanic membrane is visible and intact
Acetic acid wash for debridement of dead skin
Place a wick if the ear canal is fully obstructed
NSAIDs
Keep ear canal dry
Abstain from water sports for 7-10 days
Abstain from water sports for 7-10 days
Safe with perforations
Contains hydrocortisone to promote faster healing
Not recommended for perforation since non-sterile preparation
Similar to Cipro HC but safe for perforations
Often more expensive
Use suspension (NOT solution) if possibility of perforation
Animal studies suggest possible toxicity from the neomycin although rigorous data is lacking
Immunosuppressed (poorly controlled diabetes, chemotherapy, chronic high dose corticosteroid use, immunosuppressive drugs, neutropenia) give systemic antibiotic (ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin)
Otitis externa
Auricular hematoma
Q fever
Auricular perichondritis
Cervicitis
Cholesteatoma
Rhinorrhea
Contact dermatitis