Simone Di Giovanni

Introduction: Dermatitis of the external ear canal is an inflammatory condition characterized by itching, desquamation, erythema, and discomfort. Although topical corticosteroids are commonly used as first-line therapy, prolonged administration may lead to adverse effects, including skin atrophy and irritation. Therefore, alternative treatments with a safer profile are being explored. Ozonized oil has gained attention due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-repairing properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ozonized oil-based ear drops in reducing symptoms and improving clinical signs in patients with non-infectious dermatitis of the external ear canal. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, adult patients diagnosed with non-infectious dermatitis of the external ear canal were enrolled. Participants were treated with ozonized oil-based ear drops twice daily for 2 weeks. Clinical effectiveness was assessed before and after treatment using the Modified Itch Severity Scale (MISS), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and otoscopic evaluation of hyperemia, edema, and desquamation. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Thirty-five patients were enrolled, and 33 completed the study. Treatment resulted in a significant reduction in itching frequency and intensity (p < 0.001), as well as improvement in otoscopic signs (p < 0.001). Sleep onset improved significantly, while nighttime awakenings did not. Mild otalgia occurred in three patients and resolved. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Ozonized oil-based ear drops were associated with an improvement in symptoms and otoscopic findings in this prospective observational study. However, controlled studies are required to confirm these findings.

Background: Odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) is a condition needing a multidisciplinary approach to be suc-cessfully treated. Effective communication between the involved health providers reduces chances of errors and treatment failure. Purpose: This study proposes a new classification of ODS facilitating the communica-tion of pivotal information. Study design, setting, sample: In this observational study the authors considered 124 consecutive patients with ODS treated in the Campus Bio-Medico of Rome Foundation Hospital. Predic-tor/exposure/independent variable: The main elements influencing the treatment of this condition resulted as: Timing, Etiology, Presence of foreign Body, maxillary Obstruction of the ostiomeatal complex, and pres-ence of oroantral Fistula (OAF); these elements were organized in the acronym TEBOF. Main outcome varia-bles: Each patient received a TEBOF classification. The “T” was categorized in “Tc” for patients diagnosed with chronic sinusitis, “Ta” for of acute sinusitis, and “T0” for patients with maxillary sinus foreign body without sinusitis. The “E” was differenciated in “Ec” when the condition was a side effect of a primary dental pathology, “Eb” when the initial cause was not a dental implat, and “Ea” for when the initial cause was having a dental implat placed. “B" was reported as “B1” when there was a maxillary sinus foreign body and “B0” when there was not. “O” was reported as “O1” when the ostiomeatal complex resulted closed and “O0” when it was clear. “F” was used as “F1” when there was a communication, and “F0” when there was not. Covariates: A preliminary assessment considering the change in the classification in the groups of patients that underwent different therapeutic approaches. Analyses This classification provides a concise and easy-to-understand combination facilitating communication between the various healthcare providers who are essential for the appropriate treatment of this condition. Results: TEBOF classification provides similar data of other analogues, but signals clearly pivotal clinical elements. Conclusions and Relevance: In the au-thors opinion this classification provides a more rapid, complete and clear way to transfer information be-tween health professional. This classification could contribute insight useful to decide the type and the timing of the therapeutic approaches.