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Otitis externa - Management
When should I refer or seek specialist advice for someone with localized otitis externa?

  • Consider referral to secondary care:
    • If relief of pain and swelling requires incision and drainage of the furuncle, and the resources and skills are not available in primary care.
    • If there is inadequate response to oral antibiotic treatment.
    • If cellulitis is spreading outside the auditory canal.

In depth

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