External Otitis (Acute) By Bradley W Kesser, MD, University of Virginia School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Apr 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Key Points More Information Topic Resources Otitis Externa Otomycosis Otitis Externa with Furuncle External otitis is an acute infection of the ear canal skin typically caused by bacteria (Pseudomonas is most common).