Eczema belongs to the inflammatory skin diseases. It manifests itself in a non-infectious inflammatory reaction, which can have various triggers. There are four different forms of eczema in the auditory canal.
Acute contact eczema
Contact eczema is an allergic reaction caused by a noxious agent that lies directly on the skin. The causes can be various metals such as chromium or nickel, but cosmetic products or the incorrect use of cleaning agents can also trigger such a skin reaction. The skin usually shows reddening with small blisters, which typically occur one to two days after contact with the exogenous noxious agent.
Microbial eczema
This eczema is caused by infected wounds or fissures as the skin reacts to bacteria. The inflammation is often caused by external otitis or mechanical trauma.
Seborrheic eczema
The cause of seborrhoeic eczema is a change in skin metabolism. An increase in the activity of the sebaceous glands leads to a shiny, large-pored and thickened skin. In some cases a fungal attack can also occur at the same time.
The affected skin is very oily and the sebaceous and sweat glands are enlarged. Patients often experience unpleasant itching. Scratching can then lead to open wounds.
Endogenous eczema
The cause of endogenous eczema is a fundamentally present neurodermatitis, which leads to the formation of antibodies in the skin, which can eventually lead to such inflammatory reactions. The affected skin is very dry and scaly. Itching also occurs. Due to the dryness, the skin may tear and open wounds may develop. Scratching can also lead to inflammation.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is usually made by a specialist ENT physician. He evaluates the affected skin. In order to rule out the possibility that the eardrum is also affected by the inflammation or even a fungal infection, it should also be thoroughly examined when examining the ear.
In addition, a smear can be taken from the inflamed skin areas, which can provide information about a bacterial infection and according to which the therapy with the correct antibiotic is then determined. A diagnosis of allergies is also useful if various endogenous and exogenous factors can be the cause of eczema. In addition, this prevents a recurrence of such skin reactions.
