Hi

Thanks for the query

The symptoms you have described seem to be of chronic (or persistent) otitis externa of the right ear.

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the ear canal which may be caused by infection, allergy or other causes. The most common symptoms include itching, ear discharge, transient reduced hearing and earache.

The common causes of persistent external ear infection include:
(i) Resistant bacteria
(ii) Sensitive ears
(iii) Skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema that may aggravate your otitis externa.

The medicine пимафукорт (Pimafukort) contains neomycin (antibiotic), natamycin (antifungal) and hydrocortisone (steroid) which should not be used for long term as this will mask any underlying fungal infection. The treatment should be started only after taking an aural swab from the affected site and sent for culture and sensitivity. Depending upon the type of organism grown, the appropriate treatment can be started.

Also, please follow the preventive measures as mentioned below, this will help in reducing your problems:
1. Keep your ears dry
2. Get treated for any underlying skin conditions
3. Do not clean the ear canal with cotton buds and avoid scratching or poking the ear canal with fingers
4. Do not go for swimming until your ear infection is totally resolved

Finally, if the culture and sensitivity report shows that there is no fungal infection, you will require a steroid pack for at least a week till the symptoms completely subside. Also, you will require a course of oral antibiotics, antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory medicines such as diclofenac or ibuprofen to alleviate the symptoms.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

If there is any discharge you need to clean it from the outside, rather than inserting any cotton wick or buds. What you can do is, to take a cotton swab, dip it in warm saline and clean it from the outside. As far as possible, avoid further insult to the already inflamed area.

It is wiser to get the culture sensitivity of the secretions done before proceeding to the further level of treatment. Alternatively, you can place a small cotton wick soaked in ichthammol and glycerin to reduce the inflammation, till you get the lab report.

Wish you good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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