Otitis Externa is a common problem. It is caused by infection and/or inflammation of the external ear canal (the skin lining the canal down to the ear drum). In some patients, the predominant problem is infection (usually bacterial, sometimes fungal) and in some inflammation (like eczema-but of the ear canal).

The usual treatment invloves clearing teh ear canal of debris, wax and pus, and then application of medication to the ear canal. This is usually anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory medication and can be in the form of ointment applied into the ear canal (and left there) or in drops or spray.