The epidermis of the drumhead in some otologic conditions.

In a study of the behavior of the keratin layer of the drumhead epidermis in some otologic conditions, a marker dye was applied to the tympanic membrane, and migration and/or desquamation of the dotted spots observed. Decelerated migration with desquamation in situ was observed during the quiescent phase of recurrent otitis externa, with or without myringitis. The same findings were observed in most cases of chronic secretory otitis media and its sequelas (retraction pockets, atrophic membranes, and scarring). The remnants of drumhead with keratotic and hyperplastic changes in the middle ear cleared themselves of the dye very slowly.