Embarrassing Illnesses

Complications associated with otitis externa are usually uncommon. However, the following complications may occur:

Abscesses

Abscesses are pus-filled growths which can form in and around your affected ear as a result of infection. They usually heal on their own but, in some cases, your GP may need to drain the pus from them.

Stenosis of the ear canal

Stenosis is the name given to the build-up of thick, dry skin in your ear canal, which can occur if you have chronic otitis externa. It can affect your hearing because the build-up of skin makes your ear canal narrower and in some rare cases it can cause deafness. Stenosis of the ear canal can be treated using ear drops for chronic otitis externa.

Inflamed or perforated ear drum (tympanic membrane)

If you have acute diffuse or chronic otitis externa it is possible for the infection to spread to your ear drum (tympanic membrane). In some cases the infection may cause pus to build up inside your inner ear and may rupture (tear) your ear drum.

If you have a ruptured or perforated ear drum (a hole in it) you may be able to taste any medication inside your ear and you may be able to blow air out of your ear when you pinch your nose. A perforated ear drum usually heals by itself within a couple of months, but you should avoid getting any liquid inside your ear until your ear drum has completely healed. As you will not be able to use ear drops, your GP may prescribe oral antibiotics to treat your otitis externa.

You can minimise any pain caused by a perforated ear drum by using analgesics (painkillers) such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. It may also help to put a warm towel or flannel to your ear. However, you should not take ibuprofen if you are asthmatic or if you have stomach problems such as ulcers. Children under the age of 16 should not take aspirin.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can occur as a result of otitis externa. It can happen when bacteria, which normally live harmlessly on the surface of your skin, enter your skin's deeper layers through damaged areas, such as those caused by otitis externa. Cellulitis can spread from the layers of your skin to surrounding tissues, glands (lymph nodes) and into your bloodstream, but it is easily treated using antibiotics.

Malignant otitis externa

Malignant otitis externa is a serious but very rare complication of otitis externa, in which the infection spreads to the bone surrounding your ear canal. People who have diabetes or a damaged immune system, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or those who are HIV positive, have an increased risk of this condition.

If you have malignant otitis externa, you may have severe ear pain and headaches, exposed bone may be visible in your ear canal, and your face may appear to be drooping on the side of the affected ear (known as facial nerve palsy).

Without treatment, malignant otitis externa can be fatal, but it can be treated using antibiotics and surgery to remove damaged tissue.