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Otitis externa (also called swimmer's ear or ear ache) is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Otitis externa is fairly common, especially among teenagers and young adults. Swimming in polluted water is one way to contract swimmer's ear. Swimming is not the only cause, however -- the condition can be caused by scratching the ear or an object stuck in it. Trying to clean wax from the ear canal, especially with cotton swabs or small objects, can irritate or damage the skin. It is occasionally associated with middle ear infection (otitis media) or upper respiratory infections such as colds. Moisture in the ear predisposes the ear to infection from fungus or water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas.

Symptoms

• Ear pain -- may worsen when pulling the outer ear
• Itching of the ear or ear canal
• Drainage from the ear -- yellow, yellow-green, pus-like, or foul smelling

Signs and tests

When the physician looks in the ear, it appears red and swollen, including the ear canal. The ear canal may appear eczema-like, with scaly shedding of skin. Touching or moving the outer ear increases the pain. It may be difficult for the physician to see the eardrum with an otoscope. Taking some of the ear's drainage and doing a culture on it may identify bacteria or fungus.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. The ear canal should be cleaned of drainage to allow topical medications to work effectively. Effective medications include eardrops containing antibiotics to fight infection, and corticosteroids to reduce itching and inflammation. Ear drops should be used abundantly (four or five drops at a time) in order to penetrate the end of the ear canal. If the ear canal is very swollen, a wick may be applied in the ear to allow the drops to travel to the end of the canal. Occasionally, pills may be used in addition to the topical medications. Analgesics may be used if pain is severe. Putting something warm against the ears may reduce pain.

Protect ears from further damage. Do not scratch the ears or insert cotton swabs or other objects in the ears. Keep ears clean and dry, and do not let water enter the ears when showering, shampooing, or bathing.

Prognosis

Otitis externa responds well to treatment, but complications may occur if it is not treated. Some individuals with underlying medical problems, such as diabetes, may be more likely to get complications such as malignant otitis externa.

Complications

• Chronic otitis externa
• Malignant otitis externa
• Spread of infection to other areas of the body

Prevention

• Dry the ear thoroughly after exposure to moisture.
• Avoid swimming in polluted water.
• Use earplugs when swimming.
• Consider putting a few drops of a 1:1 mixture of alcohol and white vinegar in the ears after they get wet. The alcohol and acetic acid prevent bacterial growth.

For pool swimmers who swim to keep fit

• Buy an empty bottle with an eye dropper from a drug store.
• Fill the bottle with 1:1 mixture of alcohol and white vinegar.
• Keep that bottle in your locker or gym bag.
• Forget the earplugs.
• After your swim, draw out all water from your ears thus:
  • Stand still.
  • Don't jump.
  • Tilt your head to one side.
  • Use enough of the alcohol and vinegar solution to fill one ear.
  • Keep the alcohol and vinegar in your ear for 30 seconds.
  • To drain the alcohol and vinegar, tilt your head to the opposite side, and use a tissue to catch the effluent.
  • The solution may burn slightly; it's not intense.
  • The water in your ear will drain out with the alcohol and vinegar.
  • Repeat for the other ear.
  • Verify that no water remains in either ear by tilting your head from side to side and front to back. If any fluid remains inside your ears, you'll hear it.
  • Repeat the steps above if necessary.
  • Let the remnants of the alcohol and vinegar air dry on your outer ear.
• Pool swimmers have very clean, wax-free ears because pool water dissolves ear wax.
• If you have an ear itch, use the alcohol and vinegar mixture. Itching is a sign that something in your ear needs the alcohol and vinegar mixture.

• Happy laps.

See also

• Otolaryngology

Source

• Swimmer's Ear. Medline Plus.

• Diseases