Final answer:
Otitis externa, or swimmer's ear, can be treated with ear drops containing acetic acid, antibiotics, and steroids. For resistant bacterial strains, polymyxin B, gentamicin, or fluoroquinolones may be used. Antifungals and intravenous antibiotics are other treatment options for severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Additional Treatments for Otitis External:
Otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear, is an infection of the external ear canal, often caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Traditional treatment includes ear drops containing acetic acid, antibacterials, and/or steroids to reduce inflammation. Due to the resistance of Pseudomonas spp. to many antibiotics, options like polymyxin B and gentamicin are effective, as are some fluoroquinolones. For fungal cases, antifungals such as terbinafine, miconazole, clotrimazole, or griseofulvin may be incorporated into treatment. In more severe cases, alternative treatments might also involve oral or intravenous antibiotics, such as penicillin or doxycycline. In some instances, the infection may resolve without intervention, but this is dependent on the severity and presence of complicating factors.