Otitis externa

-For most outer ear infections, your doctor will prescribe an eardrop
~contains a combination of an acidic solution to make the ear canal a less favorable environment for bacteria to grow
-A steroid to reduce swelling and inflammation
-A antibiotic or anti fungal.
-For severe infections, antibiotics taken by mouth will be prescribed.
-Treatment of malignant otitis externa requires several weeks of antibiotics given into a vein.

Prevention:
~Keep ears as dry as possible
~dry thoroughly after showering or swimming
~don't put anything in the ear canal
~don't try to remove wax