Dermatoses involving the external auditory canal
- Various dermatologic conditions (eg, atopic dermatitis/eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis) involving the ear canal can mimic otitis externa and present with ear discomfort, discharge from the ear canal, external auditory canal erythema, and edema
- Dermatologic conditions that affect the integrity of the skin barrier in the auditory canal can lead to secondary otitis externa
- Pruritus is often more intense in patients with underlying dermatologic conditions; they often have evidence of additional underlying disease elsewhere on body discovered with thorough cutaneous examination
- Discharge from the external auditory meatus, when encountered, is often more scaling or flaky and less purulent in nature
- Differentiate diseases based on clinical presentation and disease course