ABSTRACT
The ear canal is lined by skin and, as elsewhere in the body, there is constant turnover, with shedding of the superficial layer of squamous epithelium. However, desquamation of the skin of the tympanic membrane and ear canal occurs in an oblique fashion. Many patients still use cotton buds to clean their ears. A variety of foreign bodies may be inserted into the ear canal. In children, beads, stones or other small items from toys or household goods may end up lodged in the canal. Otitis externa is a relatively common infection of the ear canal skin. During treatment of the infection it is important that the patient takes precautions to keep water out of the ear when showering, bathing or swimming. A biopsy of external ear canal granulation tissue should be taken in order to exclude a squamous cell carcinoma, which may present with a similar clinical picture.
