Comparison between Topical Formulations of Ichthammol Glycerin and Betamethasone Valerate in the Management of Acute Otitis Externa
Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery,
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2025),
5 Ordibehesht 2025
https://doi.org/10.22037/orlfps.v11i1.48281
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 Glycerine solution is a mixture of pure Glycerol [C3H8O3] in a 9:1 ratio with Ichthammol.
Aim: To compare Betamethasone Valerate & Ichthammol Glycerine in the management of Acute Otitis Externa.
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 hours. 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..
- Ichthammol Glycerin; Betamethasone Valerate; Acute Otitis Externa.
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References
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