Ichthammol 1% / Clioquinol 3% in Hydrocortisone 1% ointment

Background:Otitis externa worsened by furunculosis is a common ear disorder marked by ear canal inflammation and infection, frequently accompanied by uncomfortable furuncles. Topical antibiotics and steroids are frequently used in conjunction with each other to treat this illness effectively. This study compared the effectiveness and safety of three different treatment regimens for treating otitis externa complicated by furunculosis: gentamicin with hydrocortisone (Treatment Group A), glycerol/ichthammol solution (Treatment Group B), and aluminium acetate solution (Treatment Group C). Methods: A prospective cohort study involving 300 individuals with otitis externa and furunculosis was carried out. The patients were allocated evenly among the three therapy groups: Group A received gentamicin mixed with hydrocortisone; Group B received glycerol/ichthammol solution; and Group C received aluminium acetate solution. Reduction in pain intensity and remission of inflammation were the main results. Changes in life quality and safety outcomes in terms of adverse occurrences were considered secondary outcomes. Age-based subgroup analysis was carried out, and linear regression analysis was used to assess the correlations between factors and results. Results: When compared to Group B and Group C, Group A had a marginally better therapeutic result in terms of reducing pain and inflammation. Although adverse events including skin irritability and allergic responses were more frequent in Group A, they were also more frequent overall. In all three treatment groups, younger patients generally had higher resolution rates, according to subgroup analysis based on age. Age and gender did not demonstrate a significant relationship, but linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between the type of treatment and therapeutic outcomes. Conclusion:In comparison to glycerol/ichthammol solution and aluminium acetate solution, the combination of gentamicin and hydrocortisone showed marginally greater efficiency in treating otitis externa complicated by furunculosis. The combination of gentamicin and hydrocortisone, however, was linked to a somewhat increased frequency of adverse effects. When choosing the best course of treatment, doctors should take into account the trade-offs between efficacy and safety while also taking into account the unique characteristics of each patient. To confirm and build upon these findings, additional research with bigger sample sizes and various demographics is necessary.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Abstract Background: Acute Otitis Externa (AOE) is diffuse inflammation of the external auditory canal. Findings show a narrowed, tender and erythematous external auditory canal. There are no concrete methods in the management of AOE. Current methods include aural toileting and application of topical agents. Betamethasone Valerate, a Corticosteroid and 0.1% w/w of drug is used most commonly. The commercially used 10% Ichthammol Glycerin solution is a mixture of pure Glycerol [C3H8O3] in a 9:1 ratio with Ichthammol. Methods: All patients presenting to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of a Rural Hospital in South India diagnosed with AOE between were included in study. Thirty were assigned to each group. Group A had IG and Group B had BV placed in their ear canal with the help of a sterile cotton wick at 0, 24 and 48 hour. The Visual Analogue Scale and Edema Erythema Index were used as parameters of assessment. Results: The EET improvement stood at 51.31% in Group A. The EET improvement stood at 47.96% in Group B. In Group A, VAS had an improvement of 63.85%. In Group B, VAS had an improvement of 49.42%. Conclusion: The use of IG was found to be superior to BV in the management of AOE. IG provides relief from topical allergy and irritation along with reduction of edema. Since IG is cheaper and easy to procure, it can be used as a first line treatment in the management of AOE.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0