How many days does it take for otitis externa to subside?
Disease description:
I’ve had ear pain and slight itching since yesterday. There was some discharge when I cleaned my ear, and a subsequent examination diagnosed me with otitis externa. How many days does it typically take for otitis externa to improve?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Gang
Otitis externa typically resolves within approximately 7 to 14 days. In cases of acute otitis externa—most commonly caused by bacterial infection—recovery is generally expected within about one week. Chronic otitis externa, however, may present with recurrent abscesses and a gradual decline in immune resistance, making treatment more challenging. If the underlying disease is effectively controlled, resolution is anticipated within 1 to 2 weeks. For mild cases, topical ointment combined with microwave therapy usually achieves complete recovery after 1 to 3 treatment sessions.
