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See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
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).
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
What causes swimmer's ear?
- Swimmer's ear is usually caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by a fungus or virus.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Humid weather
- Humid weather and sweat can also cause moisture to be trapped in the ear and encourage germs to grow.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Age
- While swimmer's ear can happen at any age, it's most common in kids and early teenagers.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Narrow ear canals
- Kids often have narrower ear canals, which don't drain as effectively.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Is swimmer's ear contagious?
- Swimmer's ear is not contagious, but children who swim together may experience it at the same time.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Swimmer's ear symptoms
- You may also notice fluid or discharge draining from the ear and sounds becoming muffled.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
When to see a doctor
- If you have ear pain, see a doctor right away. Getting treatment can stop the infection from getting worse.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Swimmer's ear treatment
- After taking a look in your ear, your doctor may prescribe eardrops or antibiotic pills to help fight the infection.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Ear candling
- Some believe ear candling can help with earwax buildup and swimmer's ear.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Does ear candling work?
- There is no evidence to suggest ear candling helps swimmer's ear and it is not recommended for treatment.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
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
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Wear earplugs
- Wearing earplugs that keep water out of the ears while swimming or bathing can help prevent swimmer's ear.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
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
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
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).
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
What causes swimmer's ear?
- Swimmer's ear is usually caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by a fungus or virus.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Humid weather
- Humid weather and sweat can also cause moisture to be trapped in the ear and encourage germs to grow.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Age
- While swimmer's ear can happen at any age, it's most common in kids and early teenagers.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Narrow ear canals
- Kids often have narrower ear canals, which don't drain as effectively.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Is swimmer's ear contagious?
- Swimmer's ear is not contagious, but children who swim together may experience it at the same time.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Swimmer's ear symptoms
- You may also notice fluid or discharge draining from the ear and sounds becoming muffled.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
When to see a doctor
- If you have ear pain, see a doctor right away. Getting treatment can stop the infection from getting worse.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Swimmer's ear treatment
- After taking a look in your ear, your doctor may prescribe eardrops or antibiotic pills to help fight the infection.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Ear candling
- Some believe ear candling can help with earwax buildup and swimmer's ear.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Does ear candling work?
- There is no evidence to suggest ear candling helps swimmer's ear and it is not recommended for treatment.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
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
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Wear earplugs
- Wearing earplugs that keep water out of the ears while swimming or bathing can help prevent swimmer's ear.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
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
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
Swimmer's ear: what it is and how to treat it
It doesn't just affect swimmers!
© Shutterstock
Swimmer's ear is usually associated with a beach vacation or a dip in the local swimming pool, but did you know you can get swimmer's ear on dry land, too? In most cases, this irritation or infection of the outer ear and ear canal will need treatment, usually with eardrops prescribed by your healthcare provider, but there are some home treatments you can also try.
To learn more about swimmer's ear, click through this informative gallery now.
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