Neomycin Contact Dermatitis Superimposed on Otitis Externa

Abstract

ALLERGIC sensitization to topically applied neomycin was first reported by Baer and Ludwig in 1952. 1 Their patient had otitis externa treated with neomycin, which was not typical of an acute contact dermatitis, but consisted of an exacerbation of the otitis externa. Since that time there have been several reports describing clinical patterns of neomycin sensitivity. However, the original theme of a gradually worsening dermatitis, or flares of an underlying dermatitis with treatment, characterizes most reports. Otitis externa was one of the most frequent conditions with which neomycin sensitivity was associated. 2-4 Familiar as these facts may be to the dermatologist, we feel that it has not been sufficiently emphasized in the literature reaching nondermatologists who are likely to treat the vast majority of patients with otitis externa. Materials and Methods Patch testing was performed on all patients generally following the method of Epstein. 5 One drop of 20% aqueous