Definition:
Swimmer's ear or external otitis is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal. This happens when the ear is exposed to excess moisture and water is trapped in the ear canal. The acidity that normally prevents infection is diluted because the skin becomes soggy. Cuts along the lining of the ear can also cause bacteria to penetrate the skin.
Diagnosis:
Treatment of the condition is aimed at clearing the infection. Among the procedures are cleaning the outer ear or ear canal of any drainage and flaky skin, applying topical medications such as eardrops, oral medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and lifestyle modifications.
Treatment:
An otoscope is used to examine the inside of the ear. The doctor may also culture a sample to determine if the cause of the infection is bacteria or fungi.
Symptoms and Signs:
A few days after exposure to contaminated water, symptoms may occur including severe pain on moving the outer ear, pain or discomfort in or around the ear, itching of the outer ear, swelling of the ear or lymph nodes in the neck, pus draining from the ear, and decreased or muffled hearing. The outer ear may also appear red with scaly or flaky skin.
Causes:
Causes of external otitis include persistent moisture in the ear from swimming, bathing, or living in a humid environment, exposure to an infectious organism from swimming in polluted water, skin breakage caused by scratching or rubbing the ear with a foreign object, and bacteria growth fostered by hair sprays or hair dyes.
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