Which statement about Otitis Externa treatment is correct?

Which statement about Otitis Externa treatment is correct?

• A. Aminoglycoside otic preparations are preferred regardless of tympanic membrane status.
• B. Oral antibiotics alone are sufficient.
• C. Topical antifungal drops are the first-line therapy.
• D. Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone is used; Ofloxacin is safe if tympanic membrane perforation is present.

Answer: (D)

Otitis externa is treated best with topical therapy that delivers high concentrations of antibiotic to the ear canal, targeting the typical culprits like Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus. A crucial detail is the tympanic membrane status: if the membrane is ruptured, avoid aminoglycoside otic drops because of the risk of ototoxicity, so we favor fluoroquinolones. Using ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone combines antibiotic action with anti-inflammatory effect, a common first-line choice for this condition. Ofloxacin, another fluoroquinolone, is safe to use even when the tympanic membrane is perforated, making it appropriate in those cases. Topical antifungal drops aren’t first-line unless a fungal infection is suspected, and oral antibiotics alone don’t adequately treat the localized infection of the ear canal.

Otitis externa is treated best with topical therapy that delivers high concentrations of antibiotic to the ear canal, targeting the typical culprits like Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus. A crucial detail is the tympanic membrane status: if the membrane is ruptured, avoid aminoglycoside otic drops because of the risk of ototoxicity, so we favor fluoroquinolones. Using ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone combines antibiotic action with anti-inflammatory effect, a common first-line choice for this condition. Ofloxacin, another fluoroquinolone, is safe to use even when the tympanic membrane is perforated, making it appropriate in those cases. Topical antifungal drops aren’t first-line unless a fungal infection is suspected, and oral antibiotics alone don’t adequately treat the localized infection of the ear canal.