Comparison between Ichthammol Glycerin and Betamethasone Valerate in Acute Otitis Externa Management

Abstract Background: Acute Otitis Externa (AOE) is diffuse inflammation of the external auditory canal. Findings show a narrowed, tender and erythematous external auditory canal. There are no concrete methods in the management of AOE. Current methods include aural toileting and application of topical agents. Betamethasone Valerate, a Corticosteroid and 0.1% w/w of drug is used most commonly. The commercially used 10% Ichthammol Glycerin solution is a mixture of pure Glycerol [C3H8O3] in a 9:1 ratio with Ichthammol. Methods: All patients presenting to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of a Rural Hospital in South India diagnosed with AOE between were included in study. Thirty were assigned to each group. Group A had IG and Group B had BV placed in their ear canal with the help of a sterile cotton wick at 0, 24 and 48 hour. The Visual Analogue Scale and Edema Erythema Index were used as parameters of assessment. Results: The EET improvement stood at 51.31% in Group A. The EET improvement stood at 47.96% in Group B. In Group A, VAS had an improvement of 63.85%. In Group B, VAS had an improvement of 49.42%. Conclusion: The use of IG was found to be superior to BV in the management of AOE. IG provides relief from topical allergy and irritation along with reduction of edema. Since IG is cheaper and easy to procure, it can be used as a first line treatment in the management of AOE.