A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF CUTANEOUS LESIONS OF THE EXTERNAL EAR IN PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
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Keywords
External ear dermatoses; Otomycosis; Squamous cell carcinoma; Seborrheic dermatitis; Cutaneous lesions; Epidemiology; Otorhinolaryngology.
Abstract
The external ear is exposed to continuous environmental, physical, and infectious risk factors, making it susceptible to a wide variety of dermatological and otological conditions. Despite this clinical relevance, limited epidemiological data exist from Indian tertiary care settings on the spectrum of external ear cutaneous lesions.
Objectives: To assess the clinical profile, frequency, and patterns of cutaneous lesions affecting the external ear among patients attending dermatology and otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinics of a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2025 to August 2025 at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Rajasthan. A total of 126 patients presenting with visible or symptomatic external ear lesions were enrolled through consecutive sampling. Detailed clinical history, demographic profile, and relevant examination findings were recorded using a structured proforma. Investigations including dermoscopy, microbiology, and histopathology were performed where necessary. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were applied, and associations between categorical variables were assessed using the chi-square test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Of the 126 participants, males constituted 58.7% and the mean age was 38.6 ± 17.4 years. Inflammatory lesions were the most prevalent category (35.7%), followed by infectious lesions (29.4%). Benign neoplastic/cystic lesions, traumatic/degenerative lesions, premalignant lesions, and malignant tumors accounted for 15.1%, 9.5%, 5.6%, and 4.7% respectively. Otomycosis and seborrheic dermatitis were the leading infectious and inflammatory conditions. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignancy. Significant associations were observed between age >40 years and neoplastic lesions (p=0.012), UV exposure and malignant/premalignant lesions (p=0.008), and piercing with keloids/granulomas (p<0.001).
Conclusion: External ear lesions exhibit wide clinical variability, with a meaningful proportion demonstrating malignant or premalignant potential. Early diagnosis, preventive awareness, and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential for optimal patient outcomes.
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Dr Meetha Lal Meena
Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Government Medical College, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
Dr Ramesh Chandra Raidas
Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government Medical College, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
Dr Anshul Yadav
Senior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, World College of Medical Sciences and Research, Jhajjar, Haryana, India
Dr Jatin Prajapati
Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, World College of Medical Sciences and Research, Jhajjar, Haryana, India, ORC ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7298-4499
Dr Yogita Kumar
MBBS Intern, Pt BD Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
