Prevention

The patient should be advised to keep the ears dry, especially when washing the hair or showering

A large piece of cotton wool coated in Vaseline and placed in the concha is advisable, and if the patient is very keen to swim it is worthwhile investing in custom-made silicone rubber earplugs.

The use of a proprietary preparation of spirit and acetic acid prophylactically after swimming is useful in reducing otitis externa.

Avoidance of scratching and poking the ears.

Itching may be controlled with antihistamines given orally, especially at bedtime.

If meatal stenosis predisposes to recurrent infection, meatoplasty (surgical enlargement of meatus) may be advisable. NB. Do not make a diagnosis of otitis externa until you have satisfied yourself