Infections of the meatus are frequently secondary to, or accompanied
by furunculosis. The treatment, therefore, is similar to that of
furunculosis.
Always try to locate the point of infection, lance or curet, apply
phenol or other chemical germicide, neutralize, dry and pack with
phenol-glycerine. After the point of infection has been thoroughly
drained, cleanliness and protection from dust or further infection is
all that is necessary.
In all cases of infection of the external meatus, suspect middle ear
abscess as a cause. There may be a pin-point opening through the drum,
from which the infection has originated and is being maintained.
=Otomycosis= or fungus infection of the auditory meatus is rare. It
usually resembles other infections symptomatically, but often without
pus. A microscopic examination will serve to diagnose the condition.
The treatment consists of thorough cleansing, drying and the free
application of alcohol. Alcohol is dropped into the ear until the canal
is full and a pledget of cotton applied to retain it. Usually two or
three applications are sufficient to effect a cure.
=Eczema= of the auricle and meatus is of two types, the squamous or
scaly form and the sclerotic form. Both forms are chronic and may be
readily diagnosed by the appearance.
=Treatment.=—Some cases are very difficult to cure but we have had
excellent results with the following treatment: Careful adjustment
of cervical and mandibular lesions; thorough treatment of any local
infections of head or neck; direct application of phenol-glycerine,
local cleanliness and protection from irritation.