Seborrhoeic otitis externa

**Definition:** Seborrhoeic dermatitis affecting the skin of the external ear. It is usually accompanied by evidence of seborrhoeic dermatitis at other sites. In mild cases it may be asymptomatic but it can present acutely with severe pain, oedema and exudation. Longstanding cases may be complicated by chronic lymphoedema and occlusion of the external auditory canal.

**Exclusions:** - Seborrhoea