Medical expert of the article
New publications
Inflammatory diseases of the external ear: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
External otitis
Otitis externa is an inflammation of the external auditory canal due to a change in the normal flora or injury to the soft tissues of the auditory canal with subsequent infection and inflammation, as well as damage to the auricle.
Furuncle of the external auditory canal
A furuncle of the external auditory canal is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands of the ear canal, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Eczema of the ear canal
Eczema of the external auditory canal is a recurrent neuroallergic dermatosis characterized by the development of serous inflammation of the papillary layer of the dermis and focal spongiosis of the epidermis of the external auditory canal, manifested by itching and proceeding as atopic, contact and seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Keratosis obturans
Obturating keratosis is a dermatosis characterized by thickening of the stratum corneum of the epidermis and, as a result, blockage of the ear canal by epidermal masses.
Obturating keratosis differs from cholesteatoma, in which epidermal scales grow into a limited portion of the periosteum of the auditory canal.
Malignant otitis externa
Malignant otitis externa is a rapidly spreading wet gangrene affecting the auricle and auditory canal; it is detected mainly in debilitating diseases.
Keloid of the auricle
Keloid formation may be a consequence of trauma if there is a predisposition. As a rule, earlobe keloid develops when the piercing site becomes infected, spreads medially, and grows painlessly. Itching may occur as a result of chronic inflammation. Treatment includes surgical excision and glucocorticoid administration.
Perichondritis of the auricle
Perichondritis is an inflammation of the perichondrium or tissues surrounding the cartilage. Perichondritis of the auricle is the result of infection and inflammation of the auricle due to injury.
Eczema of the auricle
Eczema of the auricle is more often observed in children suffering from exudative diathesis, rickets, anemia, tuberculosis, purulent recurrent or chronic otitis media. In children, the wet form of eczema is more often diagnosed, in adults - dry.
Herpes zoster of the auricle
Herpes zoster of the auricle is a viral disease that manifests itself as grouped small red rashes on the skin of the auricle, ear canal and eardrum.
[ Where does it hurt?
What do need to examine?
How to examine?