What condition is indicated by tenderness on traction of the pinna and pressure over the tragus?

Tenderness on traction of the pinna and pressure over the tragus is indicative of otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear. This condition involves inflammation of the outer ear canal, which can cause significant discomfort when the ear is moved or when pressure is applied to the tragus, a small cartilaginous prominence in front of the ear canal.

In otitis externa, the manipulation of the ear often leads to increased pain due to the inflammation and irritation of the sensitive tissues in the outer ear. The characteristic finding of pain upon pulling the pinna or applying pressure to the tragus is commonly utilized in clinical examinations to help differentiate otitis externa from conditions affecting the middle ear, such as otitis media.

Understanding this specific symptom set is crucial for correctly diagnosing otitis externa and distinguishing it from other ear conditions like Meniere's disease, which primarily involves inner ear issues and presents differently; tinnitus, a perception of noise in the ears, does not typically cause tenderness; and otitis media, which would generally present with other symptoms such as ear fullness or fluid drainage, rather than pain localized to the outer ear upon manipulation.