How to treat itching caused by external otitis?

Otitis externa is also called diffuse otitis externa. It is divided into acute and chronic types. It is more common in summer and autumn. It is usually caused by ear picking or drug stimulation, swimming, and bathing, which causes the stratum corneum of the external auditory canal to thicken and swell, blocking the hair follicles, which will allow bacteria to grow and lead to otitis externa. So, how should external otitis itching be treated?

External auditory canal furuncle is an acute localized suppurative lesion of the skin of the external auditory canal, also known as localized external otitis. It occurs in the cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal and is one of the common ear diseases. Most of the time, it is caused by ear picking that damages the skin of the external auditory canal, or water accumulates in the external auditory canal during bathing or swimming, which softens the local epidermis and makes it easy for bacteria to invade and become infected. Otitis externa is a diffuse inflammation of the external auditory canal caused by bacterial infection. Otitis externa can be divided into two categories: one is localized otitis externa, also known as otitis externa furunculosis; the other is diffuse inflammation of the skin of the external auditory canal, also known as diffuse otitis externa. When there is an external auditory canal furunculosis, the ear pain is severe, which worsens when chewing with the mouth open, and can radiate to the same side of the head. Acute diffuse otitis externa is manifested by ear pain and discharge of secretions.

Treatment: The treatment of this disease is generally based on drops of medicine in the ear canal. Those with more obvious ear pain and redness and swelling should take antibiotics orally or by intramuscular injection. In the chronic stage, Chinese medicine can be used as the main treatment.

Common pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus, etc. Acute otitis externa develops rapidly, with symptoms of burning, itching, and pain in the external auditory canal, as well as diffuse congestion, swelling, and epidermal erosion. It is a thin discharge at first, and then becomes a thin purulent or purulent discharge. Severe skin swelling may cause stenosis or closure of the external auditory canal, obscuring the eardrum, and causing tinnitus and hearing loss. In severe cases, the lymph nodes around the ears may swell and become tender, and general discomfort may occur.

Chronic otitis externa has a long course, and is often accompanied by itchy ears, a small amount of thin pus, and mild hearing loss; the skin of the external auditory canal is congested or thickened, or covered with scabs, with a small amount of pus or debris under the scabs, and sometimes bleeding when the scabs are removed; the tympanic membrane may be turbid, thickened, and the markings may be unclear.

The principles for treating otitis externa are: control infection, clean the area, remove scabs, and promote drying.

In the acute phase, systemic antibiotics such as methacycline 0.5 g can be used orally 3 times a day to control the infection. If the ear pain is severe, you can take analgesics such as painkillers, 1 to 2 tablets each time. For local treatment, you can use a small gauze strip of 5% to 8% aluminum acetate to plug the external auditory canal, and ask the patient to drip the above-mentioned solution every 3 to 4 hours, and replace the gauze strip every day. It has astringent and anti-inflammatory effects and can promote drying. Or apply 2% to 5% silver nitrate solution; or apply tetracycline cortisone ointment, erythromycin ointment, or dermatitis cream ointment locally. Chinese medicine can be used to wet the local area with small gauze strips to promote healing.

In the chronic stage, local application of Pi Yan Ping ointment or wet compress of small gauze strips of Chinese medicine Er Yan Ling is more effective; if the external auditory canal is thickened and rough, you can use the Chinese medicine Zigui Oil (equal parts of Lithospermum officinale and Angelica sinensis, appropriate amount of sesame oil, fry the medicine in oil, and when the medicine turns black and yellow, turn off the heat, wait for it to cool and set aside. It has the function of promoting blood circulation and moisturizing the muscles, reducing swelling and relieving itching. It is suitable for patients with rough and thickened local skin in otitis externa and external ear eczema) to apply.

To prevent otitis externa, you must be careful not to dig your ears just because you feel itchy in your daily life. When swimming or washing your hair, if dirty water enters your ears, you should wipe them clean in time, tilt your head and stamp your feet, so that the dirty water can flow out of the ears. In general, it is to ensure that the external auditory canal is dry and avoid damage.