Embarrassing Illnesses

There are three kinds of otitis externa:

• localised otitis externa,
• acute diffuse otitis externa, and
• chronic otitis externa.

Each type of otitis externa has slightly different symptoms, which are detailed below.

Localised otitis externa

Localised otitis externa is an infection of a hair root (follicle) in your ear canal. The symptoms of the condition may include:

• A small red pimple in your ear canal, which may go on to develop white or yellow pus at its centre. In rare cases the pimple may progress to become a boil, which can obstruct your ear canal.
• Severe ear pain, especially when you move your ear. The pain may seem out of proportion to the size of the pimple. In rare cases, the pimple or boil may burst, causing the pain to stop suddenly.
• Occasional loss of hearing, which can occur if the pimple or boil is obstructing your ear canal.

Acute diffuse otitis externa

Acute diffuse otitis externa is a more widespread inflammation (swelling) of your ear canal, which causes a skin rash that can extend to your outer ear (pinna) and ear drum (tympanic membrane). Otitis externa is defined as acute if it lasts less than three weeks. The symptoms of acute diffuse otitis externa may include:

• redness and swelling of your outer ear (pinna) and ear canal, which can be very painful,
• scaly skin in and around your ear canal, which may peel off,
• discharge coming from your ear, which can be either thin and watery or pus-like,
• itching and irritation in and around your ear canal,
• tenderness when you move your ear or jaw,
• swollen and sore glands (lymph nodes) in your throat, and
• some hearing loss.

Chronic otitis externa

Like acute diffuse otitis externa, chronic otitis externa is a widespread inflammation (swelling) of your ear canal, which causes a skin rash that can spread throughout your ear. Otitis externa is defined as chronic if it lasts longer than three months and in some cases the condition can last for several years.

The symptoms of chronic otitis externa are similar to those of acute diffuse otitis externa, but may also include:

• a constant itch in and around your ear canal, which is often the main symptom,
• discomfort and pain in your ear which becomes worse when you move it,
• thin and watery discharge coming from your ear,
• a lack of ear wax, and
• a build-up of thick, dry skin in your ear canal, which can make it narrower (known as stenosis) and can affect your hearing.