English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Cutaneous lesions of external ear are quite common in clinical practice. Patients often present with various cutaneous lesions of the external ear to various disciplines. They are often underdiagnosed as many lesions, though commonly diagnosed by our dermatologist colleague are missed by other clinicians. These lesions can be classified in various ways, according to the aetiology, and according to the anatomic sites. In the present study, we tried to assess the prevalence of different skin lesions affecting external ear presenting to an ENT and skin outpatient department of a tertiary care medical college in Eastern part of India. METHODS This is a descriptive observational study, cross sectional in design. 240 patients attended the outpatient department with cutaneous lesions affecting external ear from January 2019 to February 2020. The patients presenting in both ENT and skin outpatient department were chosen randomly. Cases were diagnosed based on history and clinical examination and appropriate investigation as required. All cases were categorised into 5 types (infective, inflammatory, autoimmune, neoplasm & naevi, and reactive & reparative) according to the aetiology. In each category, prevalence of various skin lesions was recorded. RESULTS A total number of 240 cases were detected during the study period. Among them, infective 43.33 %, inflammatory 30.83 %, autoimmune 9.17 %, neoplasm & naevi 4.17 % and reactive & reparative were 12.82 %. Taenia was the most common lesions encountered (20.51 %) followed by keloid (12.5 %). Impetigo and seborrheic dermatitis shared same number of cases (9.4 %). Neoplastic lesions were the least common. CONCLUSIONS With some awareness and basic knowledge, many of the cutaneous lesions of external ear can be diagnosed and treated whenever patients report to a clinician, thus saving valuable time, effort and money of the patient. KEYWORDS Cutaneous Lesions, Skin Lesions, External Ear