The general practice 'management of otitis externa'.

Clinical confusion, treatment failure and recurrence commonly plague the Management of Otitis Externa. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical attitudes and habits of army general practitioners and to review the recent literature. The results of a questionnaire survey showed that although all the respondents agreed that aural toilet was important, only 50% felt confident in performing aural toilet and packing. There also appeared to be much greater scope for the use of astringents and effective preventative measures in addition to aural toilet. The discussion emphasises and need for careful selection of the most appropriate topical agent, whilst highlighting the roles of practical procedures, bacteriology and prevention. A practical guide to diagnosis and management is offered with the aid of illustrations and an algorithm.