How to improve oily ears

Patient's question:

Oily ear unclear

Doctor's answer:

Hello, ear discharge is often caused by fluid accumulation in the ear canal and is therefore called ear effusion or otorrhea. It can be classified based on the characteristics of the discharged fluid:
1. Oily, known as oily cerumen, commonly referred to as "oily ears."
2. Watery, such as ear canal eczema discharge, which is often yellow, while ruptured bullous myringitis discharge is typically bloody. Simple otitis media is usually foul-smelling purulent, while cholesteatoma otitis media often presents as foul-smelling purulent discharge.
3. Purulent-hemorrhagic, such as otosarcoma, which is often foul-smelling purulent-hemorrhagic, while granulomatous otitis media is typically purulent-hemorrhagic. Trauma often causes fresh blood to flow.
Medical Advice:
Therefore, ear discharge is merely a manifestation of various ear diseases. Clinically, it is essential to determine the lesion location (outer ear, middle ear, or inner ear) and nature by reviewing medical history, such as whether there is ear pain, itching, hearing loss, the duration of symptoms, the nature of the discharge, and facial nerve palsy, combined with imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans. A definitive diagnosis should be made and causative treatment administered:
1. Inflammation: Anti-inflammatory treatment is the primary approach. 3% hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean the ear, and 2.5% chloramphenicol or 0.3% ofloxacin ear drops can be used for ear bathing. Antibiotics may be prescribed during acute phases.
2. Trauma: For cases like ear lobe laceration, surgical suture is recommended. If accompanied by temporal bone fracture or cranial trauma, neurosurgery consultation is advisable. However, ear canal packing is contraindicated in cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
3. Granulomatous, cholesteatoma, or otosarcoma otitis media: Surgical treatment is the main approach.
4. Eczema infection: In addition to antimicrobial drugs, anti-allergic medications such as oral antihistamines may be considered.
5. Cerumen clumps blocking the ear canal: The clumps should be removed or softened with 3% baking soda solution before ear canal irrigation and drainage.