"Can Ear Canal Eczema Lead to Otitis Media?"

Otitis Media Caused by Otic Eczema

Otitis media arising from otic eczema is primarily due to the severe inflammatory response of otic eczema, which subsequently affects the tympanic membrane and the middle ear cavity, leading to tympanic membrane congestion, edema, and increased exudates. Patients must promptly follow medical advice for anti-infective treatment while actively managing the underlying disease.

1. Causes:

Otic eczema is a common allergic skin disease of the ear, typically caused by genetic factors or immune abnormalities, and can also result from endocrine disorders. If otic eczema persists for an extended period, it may irritate the local skin, exacerbating the inflammatory response and extending to the tympanic membrane and middle ear cavity, causing congestion, edema, and increased exudates in the tympanic membrane. Recurrent otic eczema may also damage the local skin, predisposing it to bacterial infection and subsequent otitis media.

2. Symptoms:

Patients with otitis media secondary to otic eczema commonly experience ear pain, discharge of pus, and accompanying symptoms of hearing loss and tinnitus. In severe cases, patients may also feel a foreign body sensation or fullness in the ear.

3. Treatment:

Patients can take antihistamines under medical supervision, such as Loratadine Tablets or Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets, to alleviate allergic reactions. For bacterial infections, antibiotics like Amoxicillin Capsules or Cefixime Capsules can be prescribed. Additionally, the affected area can be rinsed with Boric Acid Solution and the external auditory canal cleaned with saline solution under medical guidance.

4. Precautions:

Patients should maintain local cleanliness and hygiene, avoid scratching the affected area with their hands, and refrain from consuming spicy or irritating foods to prevent impeding recovery.