Otitis externa: management of the recalcitrant case.

Most cases of otitis externa respond to routine treatment, however, there is a subset of patients who frequently develop otitis externa that is usually severe and recalcitrant to routine therapy. These patients include the immunocompromised, those with AIDS, transplant recipients, severe diabetics, patients treated with high dose steroids or chemotherapeutic agents, and those who are malnourished or are chronically ill. Local factors that lead to worsening of otitis externa include dermatitides and prior local irradiation. Patients who find topical therapy painful may be noncompliant with medications, and they too, may develop recalcitrant otitis externa. For successful treatment, a broad understanding of external auditory canal anatomy, the microbiology and pathophysiology of otitis externa, and available treatment options, including topical and systemic medications, must be attained. These topics are reviewed.