Swimmer's Ear Tips

Swimmer's Ear or Otitis externa is an inflammation, irritation, orinfection of the outer ear and earcanal. It often develops after water has gotten into the ear, especiallyafter swimming. Sand or other debris that gets into the ear canalmay also cause swimmer's ear as well as a scratch from an object likea cotton swab. Unlike a middle ear infection, the pain from swimmer'sear is worse when you chew when you press on the "tag" infront of the ear or when you wiggle your earlobe.

Last Updated -15th December 2005

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Otitis externa is fairly common, especially among teenagers and youngadults. Swimming in polluted water is one way to contract swimmer'sear, but it is also possible to contract swimmer's ear by swimmingin a pool that is well maintained or even from water trapped in theear canal after a shower, especially in a humid climate. Water trappedin the ear canal is not the only cause, however -- the condition canbe caused by scratching the ear or an object stuck in it. Trying toclean wax from the ear canal, especially with cotton swabs or smallobjects, can irritate or damage the skin. It is occasionally associatedwith middle ear infection (otitis media) or upper respiratory infectionssuch as colds. Middle ear infections can occur after the ear drumis perforated by a fungal growth from the outer ear. Moisture in theear predisposes the ear to infection from fungus or water-loving bacteriasuch 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

Decreased hearing or hearing loss

A feeling of fullness in the ear.

Discharge from the ear.

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, withscaly shedding of skin. Touching or moving the outer ear increasesthe pain. It may be difficult for the physician to see the eardrumwith an otoscope. Taking some of the ear's drainage and doing a cultureon it may identify bacteria or fungus.

Dry the ear thoroughly after exposure to moisture.

Avoid swimming in polluted water.

Use earplugs when swimming.

After swimming or showering, shake your headto remove water from the ear canal.

Gently dry your ears after showering or swimmingwith the corner of a tissue or towel.

Put a few drops of rubbing alcohol mixed withan equal amount of white vinegar in the ear after swimming orshowering.

Use nonprescription drops (Swim-Ear, Star-Otic)toprevent swimmer's ear.

Never put anything smaller than an elbow intothe ear canal.

Avoid prolonged use of earplugs.

Avoid getting soap and shampoo in the ear canal.

Remove sand or dirt that gets into the ear witha bulb syringe or direct a gentle stream of warm water intoyour ear then tip your head to let the water drain out.

Treat skin problems such as eczema, psoriasisor seborrhea that may cause ear canal irritation.

Cotton coated with petroleum jelly can be usedas an earplug.

Treatment

Avoid getting water in the ear untilthe irritation clears up.
Do not use plastic earplugs if yourear is inflamed or infected. Instead use cotton coatedwith petroleum jelly.
If your ear is itchy, try non prescriptionswimmer's eardrops before and after swimming or showering.
Never stick a dropper into the ear canal.Put drops on the outer ear near the opening of the earcanal and gently wiggle the ear until the drops flowinto the canal.
To ease ear pain, apply a warm washclothor heating pad set on low.
Acetaminophen or aspirin may help relievepain.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN

If drainage from your ear contains pusor blood.

If ear pain and itching persist or worsenafter 3 days of treatment.

If the ear canal is swollen, red orvery painful.

If redness extends to the outer ear.

If there is redness or swelling behindthe ear.

If ear pain follows a cold or sinusinfection.

Disclaimer: The Swimmer's Ear Tips / Informationpresented and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors anddo not necessarily represent the views of TipsAndTreats.com and/orits partners.

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