Symposium. ENT for nonspecialists. External otitis.

Simple treatment usually suffices for the control of acute external otitis, This consists of meticulous cleaning of the ear canal and application of antibiotic-corticosteroid drops. Good local care of the ear can prevent both the chronic and the acute forms of external otitis. Malignant external otitis is an uncommon but lethal type that most often accompanies diabetes. If this condition is diagnosed, hospitalization and aggressive treatment are then a necessity.