Ear Margin Dermatosis
In this uncommon skin condition, epithelial cells of the outer skin of the ears lose their moisture and are replaced by horny tissue. In severe untreated cases, a progression to ulceration and necrosis may be seen due to thrombosis of the capillaries supplying blood to the ear margins, and may result in severe scarring. Itchiness is usually absent. Hairs epilate very easily on affected areas and alopecia may develop with time.
Diagnosis of Ear Margin Dermatosis
The diagnosis of early ear margin dermatosis is based on the history, breed, and presence of the characteristic ear margin lesions. Skin scrapings are performed to rule out scabies (if severe pruritus is present), and demodicosis. Diagnostic procedures to differentiate these diseases may require an extensive work up including CBC, chemistry profile, ANA testing, Coomb's testing, and biopsies.
Treatment of Ear Margin Dermatosis
The mild scaling form of ear margin dermatosis is usually controllable with topical therapy but rarely is curable. In the early marginal lesions, topical treatment with antiseborrheic agents (benzoyl peroxide, tar, sulfur, salicylic acid) will remove the greasy scales, with the frequency of application varying from daily to weekly. Topical glucocorticoid creams and/or systemic prednisone (1.1 mg/kg per day) may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in severe cases. The advanced ulcerative and necrotic stage is resistant to medical therapy. However, it can be usually cured by surgical removal of the affected ear margin.
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