This dangerous condition usually necessitates hospitalization and treatment with IV antibiotics. Cure rates can be expected after five to seven days of treatment. Additional office visits Mild to moderate external otitis can generally be treated at home. However, in severe otitis externa, unless there is dramatic improvement of the child's condition, daily office visits are necessary until substantial improvement occurs. At the re-evaluation visit, another gentle lavage of the ear canal is usually performed to remove additional desquamated skin.
Aural hygiene is a major key to successful treatment.
If there is still substantial canal edema, a second otowick is inserted. Management of severe otitis externa should be in the province of the pediatric generalist. By following an individualized graded treatment plan such as the one above, there should be fewer failures. You can expect a great deal of gratitude from successfully treated patients for you will have relieved their misery. Arch Environ Health.