Nanocrystalline silver for the treatment of otitis externa.

Objective: To study the efficacy of nanocrystalline silver in treating otitis externa. Methods: This is a retrospective study constituting 50 patients of 18 to 60 years, studied from July 2022 to February 2023, conducted in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary healthcare centre. Clinically diagnosed otitis externa patients were treated with fragmented gel foam coated with nanocrystalline silver gel and the response to this treatment was noted. Results: This study analysed a total of 50 cases of otitis externa in which the majority of patients fell between the age group of 30 to 45 years. Of the 50 patients included in the study, 30 were male and 20 were female. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated in 50% of the patients followed by staphylococcus aureus in 36% of the patients. Among the 50 patients, 32 responded early to treatment (early responders), 15 were partial responders, and 3 did not respond to treatment (non-responders). Conclusion: Out of 50 patients, 32 responded early to treatment, 15 were partial responders, and 3 did not respond to treatment. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of silver, particularly when used in the nanocrystalline form, have been shown to be highly effective in managing this condition. Further research is warranted to fully explore the potential of nanocrystalline silver in treating otitis externa and other related conditions.