Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's Ear Causes
Some causes of swimmer's ear include: persistent moisture in the ear from swimming, bathing or living in a humid environment; and exposure to an infectious organism from swimming in polluted water.
Swimmer's Ear Definition
Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal. It can be associated with a middle ear infection (otitis media) if the eardrum gets ruptured.
Swimmer's Ear Diagnosis
The inside of the ear and the ear canal may appear red and swollen. The ear canal may also appear scaly, with flaking skin.
Swimmer's Ear Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms typically include severe pain on moving the outer ear; pain or discomfort in or around the outer ear; itching of the outer ear; swelling in the ear or lymph nodes in the neck; feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear; pus draining from the ear; and decreased or muffled hearing.
Swimmer's Ear Treatment
Treatment of the infection includes cleaning, topical medications, oral medications, and lifestyle modifications while undergoing treatment.