Overtreatment

Long-standing overtreatment of ears with ear cleaners may macerate the epithelium, causing swelling and greater folding of the epithelial surface. Ear cleaners usually contain a combination of several ingredients, including alcohols, acids, detergents, propylene glycol, and water. Prolonged contact of these substances with the ear canal causes the cells to swell as the ear canal skin loses its waterproof properties. Drugs such as neomycin and silver sulfadiazine are known to trigger a contact dermatitis within the ear canal, leading to erythema and swelling in the ear canal. If any of these causes is suspected, suspending all topical treatment for 1 or 2 weeks may decrease the tissue reaction and relieve the swelling.