c. Bacitracin Ophthalmic. This is a standard ointment with bacteriostatic
(gram-positive organisms) action against strains of staph and strep. A bacteriostatic
agent is a medication that kills bacteria that is present and inhibits the growth of new
bacteria. Gentamicin (Garamycin) is also available in solution and ointment. It is
gaining wide acceptance for use especially against infections caused by gram-negative
organisms.
Section II. CONDITIONS OF THE EAR
3-15. INTRODUCTION
Conditions of the ear are classified and treated according to their location. Ear
problems may be considered as diseases of the external ear, the middle ear, or the
inner ear.
3-16. DISEASE OF THE EXTERNAL EAR--EXTERNAL OTITIS
a. Description. External otitis varies in severity from a mild dermatitis to
cellulitis or even furunculosis of the ear canal. This ear problem is often referred to as a
fungal infection of the ear. In many cases, the problem is not an infection but dermatitis
caused by contact with earphones or earrings.
b. Signs/Symptoms. Pain, itching, dry scaling ear canal, and watery or
purulent discharge are the chief signs/symptoms of external otitis. Fever may be
present if the infection is severe. Other signs and symptoms are erythema, edema, and
pustule formation.
c. Treatment. Systemic treatment includes systemic antibiotics used when the
spread of the infection is noted beyond the skin of the ear canal. Systemic analgesics
are needed for pain. Local treatment is administered by thoroughly cleaning the ear
canal, gently wiping, and then applying wax softener. Irrigation may be necessary. It is
important to keep the ear canal dry. If necessary, use a wick saturated with antibiotic
ointment or ear drops such as neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin. Compresses of
Burrow's solution and 0.5 percent acetic acid can be applied.
3-17. DISEASE OF THE EXTERNAL EAR--CERUMEN IMPACTION
a. Description. The cause of this disease is excessive secretion of cerumen,
narrowing or twisting of the ear canal, or dryness or scaling of the skin in the ear canal.
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