Causes and risk factors
Otitis externa is mostly caused due to a bacterial infection. Occasionally, it can also be due to a viral or bacterial infection.
The following factors favor the onset of infection:
- Swimming frequently
- Having cuts, scratches, abrasions or any kind of opening in the skin near the ear
- Having underlying skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
- Allergic reaction of the skin around your ear to any substance
- Introducing foreign objects into the ear
- Attempting self-cleaning of the ear by using cotton swabs or any other tools
Clinical presentation
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include itching, swelling and pain in ear along with a foul smelling discharge. The side of the face seems swollen and the lymph nodes of neck may enlarge. The patient may complain of pain while opening the jaw. Ear crusts may be present and the hearing may be temporarily reduced.
Diagnosis & Investigations
A physical examination of the ear coupled with your symptoms is adequate to make a diagnosis of Swimmer’s ear. No additional tests are necessary.
Swimmer’s ear must be differentiated from chondritis, myringitis and otitis media.
Treatment
The doctor will clean out the patient’s ear using a curetting or suction device. Antibiotics are prescribed for controlling bacterial growth. Symptomatic treatment for pain and swelling in the ear is achieved by administration of anti inflammatory drugs and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
The patient is advised to prevent swimming and flying until the ear has completely healed.
To prevent episodes of Swimmer’s ear, the following precautions must be taken:
- Always keep your ears dry. Clean gently with a towel after swimming or a shower.
- Do not introduce any foreign objects into your ear.
- Cotton buds are recommended only for cleaning the outer portion of the ear. They are never to be introduced into the ear canal.
- Do not swim in pools with a lot of swimmers since the bacterial count may be high.
