Dermatoses of the External Ear

Abstract

The external ear comprises the pinna (auricle), the external auditory canal and the outer surface of the tympanic membrane. Numerous disorders can affect the ear, from childhood to old age. Ear malformations can arise as developmental abnormalities. Traumatic conditions include contusion, haematoma, split earlobes, pseudocyst, keloid and chondrodermatitis. Infections, including viral, bacterial and fungal, may manifest as acute or chronic otitis externa. Ear signs can be a manifestation of an underlying systemic disorder, such as autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Common cancers affecting the ear include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the latter carrying a risk of direct and metastatic spread.