We compared the use of
glycerol and icthammol (G&I) ribbon gauze versus topical
antibiotic and
steroid drops in the management of
otitis externa. Patients presenting with acute
otitis externa were systematically recruited from attendance in the ENT emergency clinic. Exclusion criteria were age <18 years, diabetic patients, and those who had been previously treated for
otitis externa by the department within the last month. A total of 43 patients were recruited with 48 infected ears, the mean patient age was 47 years, (range 18-80 years). Patients were randomised to either insertion of a G&I ribbon gauze or topical ear drops by means of a ballot with no stratification. All patients were reviewed 5 days later. Patients were asked to comment on their
pain using the ten point visual analogue
pain score. Oedema of the canal wall, presence of debris and visibility of the tympanic membrane were graded on microscopy. Patient satisfaction and return to work were assessed. There was a statistically significant decrease in the
pain score between each visit for the entire group of patients and decrease in canal wall swelling (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between drops and ribbon gauze in terms of
pain relief, canal wall oedema, or aural discharge. Following microbiological analysis, 27.8% of bacteria were resistant to
neomycin. The cost of treatment with G&I is less than a third of that for topical
antibiotic-
steroid drops and requires less patient compliance. Patient concerns with the ribbon gauze included its cosmetic appearance and loss of hearing and with drops included frequency of application. We recommend the use of G&I ribbon gauze as first-line treatment, particularly for those who have had
allergies to carriers of drops, those that are poorly compliant or with poor manual dexterity, for example patients with rheumatic hands.