Common contact allergens include nickel-containing earrings and numerous beauty products (eg, hairsprays, lotions, hair dye). Aural eczematoid dermatitis is more common among people with a predisposition toward atopy and with other similar dermatitides (eg, seborrhea, psoriasis).
Both contact dermatitis and aural eczematoid dermatitis cause itching, redness, clear (serous) discharge, desquamation, hyperpigmentation, and, sometimes, fissuring. A secondary bacterial infection can occur (acute otitis externa) which tends to have more pain than itching.
Treatment
Contact dermatitis of the ear requires avoidance or withdrawal of allergic triggers, especially earrings. Trial and error may be needed to identify the offending agent. Topical corticosteroids (eg, 1% hydrocortisone cream or a more potent 0.1% betamethasone cream) can decrease inflammation and itching. Patients should avoid using cotton swabs, water, and other potential irritants in the ear, because these will aggravate the inflammatory process. Recalcitrant cases can be treated with a short course of an oral corticosteroid (eg, prednisone).
Aural eczematoid dermatitis can be treated with dilute aluminum acetate solution (Burow solution), which can be applied as often as required for comfort. Itching and inflammation can be reduced with topical corticosteroids (eg, 0.1% betamethasone cream). If acute external otitis ensues, careful debridement of the ear canal and topical antibiotic therapy (eg, ciprofloxacin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% ) may be required. Potential irritants, including water and cotton swabs, should be avoided.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
hydrocortisone |
CORTEF, SOLU-CORTEF |
ciprofloxacin |
CILOXAN, CIPRO |
betamethasone |
CELESTONE SOLUSPAN, DIPROLENE, LUXIQ |
dexamethasone |
OZURDEX |
prednisone |
RAYOS |
