- The medical term for swimmer's ear is otitis externa. Otitis externa is a bacterial or fungal infection of the outer ear or ear canal. Most often, the infection is bacterial. Otitis externa is called swimmer's ear because swimming is a common cause of the infection.
- The ear canal is a tube that protects the inner ear. The inside of the ear canal is warm and dark, which is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and fungi. To prevent infection, the ear canal has a natural defense against bacterial and fungi growth. The skin in the canal is coated with an acidic substance called cerumen. Cerumen provides a protective layer over the skin that inhibits bacterial and fungi penetration. Water that enters the ear from activities such as swimming can temporarily wash away the cerumen. Without the cerumen protecting the thin skin in the ear canal, bacteria and fungi can penetrate the skin and cause an infection.
- The most common symptom of a swimmer's ear infection is pain. The pain is increased when the ear canal is moved. Chewing food and laying on the ear can cause the ear canal to move. Itching in the ear canal can also be present. A full feeling or a clogged feeling in the ear is another common complaint.
- Swimmer's ear requires treatment by a doctor. The doctor examines the ear canal to identify the infection and prescribes antibiotic ear drops to treat the infection. If the infection is severe, the doctor may have to gently cleanse the ear canal to remove pus accumulation. In severe infections, the ear canal can swell a lot, making it hard for the antibiotic ear drops to reach the whole ear canal. If the ear canal is very swollen, the doctor may insert a cotton wick into the canal to aid the medication in reaching the whole ear canal. An over-the-counter pain reliever can be taken to help reduce pain. A swimmer's ear infection is usually gone within 7 days of treatment.
- The best way to prevent swimmer's ear is to keep the ear dry. After showering or swimming, tilt your head to each side and allow the water to drain out of your ear canals. Dry off the ears with a clean towel. If you swim a lot, you can wear special ear plugs that are designed for swimming. These special ear plugs block water from entering the ear canals.
- This article is for educational purposes and is not meant to take the place of medical advice. The structure of the ear is sensitive. Never insert anything inside the ear, or you could cause damage. If you suspect an ear infection, seek treatment from a doctor. An ear infection that is not treated can get worse.
