Comparison of efficacy of topical Glycerol/Icthammol wick with Neomycin/Betamethasone wick in bacterial Otitis Externa

Objective: to compare the efficacy of topical glycerol/ichthammol wick with neomycin/betamethasone wick in treatment of bacterial otitis externa in terms of relief of pain. material and methods: this study was quasi-experimental study conducted at department of ent cmh peshawar completed in 6 months time from october 2010 to march 2011. total number of 324 patients were included in the study and divided into two groups of 162 each. after necessary suction clearance topical glycerol/icthammol wick was placed in auditory canal of group a patients and topical neomycin/betamethasone wick (betnesol-n) was placed in group b. analgesics were given to both groups of patients,tab (mefenamic acid) ponstan thrice a day. follow up visits were done on 3rd and 5th day of starting the treatment. results: group a (glycerol /icthammol wick) patients responded better in terms of pain relief as compared to group b (neomycin/betamethasone wick). conclusion: glycerol/icthammol wick is more effective than topical neomycin/betamethasone wick for the treatment of bacterial otitis externa.