Swimmer's ear often happens during the summer months, when lots of us are enjoying water activities. People who don't swim can also develop it by scratching their ear canals when they try to clean their ears. This is especially true if they use cotton swabs or dangerously sharp small objects, like hair clips or bobby pins. Sometimes, in a person with a middle ear infection otitis media , pus collected in the middle ear can drain into the ear canal through a hole in the eardrum, causing otitis externa.
The main sign is severe ear pain that gets worse when the outside part of the ear is pulled or pressed on. Sometimes there is itching in the ear canal before the pain begins. The outer ear might get red or swollen. Lymph nodes around the ear may get enlarged and tender. Sometimes, there's a greenish-yellow discharge of pus from the ear opening. It can be hard to hear in the affected ear if pus or swelling of the canal begins to block passage of sound into the ear.
Prescription ear drops usually cure swimmer's ear in 7—10 days. The pain should ease within a few days of starting treatment. External otitis is not contagious, so you don't have to limit your contact with friends as long as you're feeling well enough to socialize.
How doctors treat swimmer's ear depends on how severe the pain and infection are. For most outer ear infections, they prescribe ear drops containing antibiotics possibly mixed with medicine to help ease swelling. Those most at risk are adults with weakened immune systems.
If the infection spreads to the eardrum, a buildup of pus can cause inflammation in the area and perforate the eardrum. This will normally heal within 2 months. A doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics, and it is important to keep the ear dry. To prevent ear infections, avoid swimming in polluted water and keep the ears as dry as possible.
To dry the ears after swimming, the Merck Manual suggests mixing a solution of equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar and putting two drops in each ear after swimming. Never put cotton swabs or other foreign objects such as hairpins into the ear. This can cause further damage and force unwanted material deeper inside the ear canal.
Earwax naturally flows outward, so a person should only use cotton swabs to remove it from the outer ear. A healthcare professional should treat any wax buildup inside the ear. Products such as hair sprays or dyes can irritate the ear, increasing the risk of external otitis.
To prevent this, gently place cotton balls in the ears before applying the products. Be careful not to push the cotton balls into the ear canal. After treatment for an ear infection, a physician will tell a person when they can safely swim again. Double ear infection is when an ear infection affects both ears.
They are caused by bacteria or viruses and should be seen immediately by a doctor in…. Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in ear drops, and it can help to soften and dissolve buildups of earwax. However, if a person has an ear…. Dry ears are characterized by a buildup of dead skin and itchiness.
While they are not generally linked to serious conditions, they can be unsightly…. Eczema can affect the ear externally or internally.
People can usually manage their symptoms by using ear drops or creams and avoiding potential…. Most causes of a swollen earlobe are easily treated at home and can be prevented.
Read on to find out when to see a doctor. Swimmer's ear: What you need to know. Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M. Risk factors. Reviewed By Elise C. Allen, M.
The symptoms may include:. The outer ear has glands that form a thin, water-repellant film on the skin inside the ear. Excessive swimming can cause the wax coating to diminish, allowing water to enter and remain.
Prolonged exposure to a moist environment, humid weather and heavy perspiration can also cause the condition. It is important to swim wisely and remember to take days off from the activity. If you have symptoms of this condition, schedule an appointment with a physician to determine the cause and to receive proper treatment.
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