Acute otitis externa (AOE) is most often infectious in origin, and can be easily treated with a combination of topical antibiotic and steroid preparations. Systemic antibiotics are rarely needed for AOE. Chronic otitis externa (COE) can be more difficult to treat, but if an underlying cause can be identified this condition can often be successfully managed. In both AOE and COE, prevention is fundamental. If patients are able to avoid precipitating factors, future episodes can often be averted.