Comparison of 10% icthammol glycerine wick and topical steroid-antibiotic ear drops in the treatment of diffuse otitis externa

Objective: To compare 10% Icthammol glycerine wick and topical steroid-antibiotic drops in treating diffuse otitis externa in terms of pain and reduction in edema of external auditory canal. Methodology: It was a Randomized Controlled Trial conducted in ENT department, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Nov 2016 to May 2017. A sample size of 100 was divided randomly into two group. Non probability consecutive sampling was used. In Group A, 10% Icthammol glycerine wick while Group B, topical steroid antibiotic was used. Treatment duration was 5 days. Chi-square test was applied. P value <= 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of 100 patients, 52(52%) were males and 48(48%) females. Mean age was 34.05 +/- 10.7 years. A significant difference between two groups regarding pain reduction (p=0.001) and edema reduction (p=0.001) was found (p<0.05). Conclusion: Topical steroid antibiotic ear drops are more effective in reduction of pain and edema in comparison to 10% Icthammol glycerine wick to cure diffuse otitis externa.