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What is swimmer's ear? -

Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is an infection in the ear canal (the tube that runs from the entrance of the ear to the eardrum).

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What is swimmer's ear? -

Swimmer's ear is different from the common ear infection children often get after a cold. Those are middle ear infections, or otitis media, that happen behind the eardrum.

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What causes swimmer's ear? -

Swimmer's ear is usually caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by a fungus or virus.

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Why do people get swimmer's ear? -

Earwax protects the ear from damage and makes it hard for germs that cause swimmer's ear to grow. If the skin in the ear gets scratched or damaged, germs can enter and cause infection.

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What is earwax? -

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced by the ear canal glands and is a mixture of dead skin cells, hair, and secretions from the glands.

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Why do people get swimmer's ear? -

Using cotton swabs, hairpins, or anything else to clean your ear can rub away the protective earwax and scratch your skin. 

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Moisture trapped in the ear -

When water gets stuck in the ear canal after swimming or even showering, it can remove some of the earwax and soften the skin, making it easier for germs to enter.

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Humid weather -

Humid weather and sweat can also cause moisture to be trapped in the ear and encourage germs to grow.

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Age -

While swimmer's ear can happen at any age, it's most common in kids and early teenagers.

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Narrow ear canals -

Kids often have narrower ear canals, which don't drain as effectively.

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Hair products and skin conditions -

Hair products and cosmetics can irritate your skin and increase the chances of getting swimmer's ear, as can skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

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Is swimmer's ear contagious? -

Swimmer's ear is not contagious, but children who swim together may experience it at the same time.

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Swimmer's ear symptoms -

Whether you contract swimmer's ear after a dip in the ocean or on dry land, symptoms include itchiness, pain, and tenderness inside the ear. 

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Swimmer's ear symptoms -

You may also notice fluid or discharge draining from the ear and sounds becoming muffled.

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When to see a doctor -

If you have ear pain, see a doctor right away. Getting treatment can stop the infection from getting worse.

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Swimmer's ear treatment -

After taking a look in your ear, your doctor may prescribe eardrops or antibiotic pills to help fight the infection.

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Eardrops -

Over-the-counter ear drops can help with pain relief and help dry the ear out. It's important to keep the liquid in the ear canal for three to five minutes, so it's best to apply the drops while lying down with your ear facing up.

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Avoid using earbuds, earplugs, or a hearing aid during treatment -

If you're receiving treatment for swimmer's ear, take a break from using earbuds, earplugs, or hearing aids to help keep your ears dry and avoid further irritation until the pain or discharge has stopped.

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Stay dry -

While you're treating swimmer's ear, keep your ear as dry as possible for seven to 10 days. Take baths rather than showers and avoid swimming or playing water sports.

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Garlic oil drops -

Garlic oil drops are believed to treat ear infections due to their antimicrobial properties. The compound allicin, which has antibacterial and antifungal effects, is thought to reduce inflammation and combat the microbes responsible for the infection.

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Ear candling -

Some believe ear candling can help with earwax buildup and swimmer's ear. 

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What is ear candling? -

Ear candling is an alternative therapy that uses a tapered candle to draw out impurities from the ear canal due to a partial vacuum caused by the candle flame.

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Does ear candling work? -

There is no evidence to suggest ear candling helps swimmer's ear and it is not recommended for treatment. 

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Swimmer's ear complications -

Swimmer's ear usually starts to feel better within two days of starting treatment. However, it can sometimes get worse and lead to other health problems

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Chronic otitis externa -

Chronic otitis externa occurs when swimmer's ear doesn't improve within three months. It can happen if you have a hard-to-treat bacteria or fungus.

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Malignant otitis externa -

While rare, malignant otitis externa can occur when the infection spreads into the head's bone and cartilage. It's most common in older people with diabetes or people with HIV or other immune system problems.

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When to call your doctor -

If you feel dizzy or have ringing in your ears, it could indicate a more serious problem. Call your doctor if you have severe pain or a rash on your scalp or near your ear.

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Wear earplugs -

Wearing earplugs that keep water out of the ears while swimming or bathing can help prevent swimmer's ear. 

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Homemade swimmer's ear drops -

Apply a solution of equal parts rubbing alcohol and vinegar to the ear after swimming or bathing. The alcohol helps evaporate water from the ear, and the vinegar's acidity prevents bacterial growth.

Sources: (WebMD) (Verywell Health)

See also: Why we should listen to our ears

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