2nd May 2024

A 30-year-old woman, a regular swimmer, presents with ear pain, itching, and discharge from her right ear.

A 30-year-old woman, a regular swimmer, presents with ear pain, itching, and discharge from her right ear. She reports that her symptoms began a few days after swimming. On examination, her right ear canal is swollen, erythematous, and has some purulent discharge. Her tympanic membrane is not visible due to the swelling. There is no history of diabetes or immunocompromise, and her tympanic membrane is intact.

Which is the most appropriate initial management?