What is Swimmer’s Ear (External Ear Canal Inflammation)?
Swimmer’s ear (External Ear Canal Inflammation) is a type of ear infection. Infection occurs in the ear canal. Because the ear canal is dark, warm and moist, it provides the perfect environment for the growth of water-loving bacteria and fungi.
It is called swimmer’s ear because it mostly affects people who spend a lot of time in the water, such as swimmers.
What are the Causes of Swimmer’s Ear (External Ear Tract Inflammation) Disease?
In people who spend a long time in water, those who do water sports, especially in hot weather and those who are exposed to pool water containing irritating substances such as chlorine, either water escapes into the outer ear canal or the skin of the outer ear canal gets wet due to the humidity of the environment and a very suitable environment for the reproduction of microbes is formed. Infection can be caused by ordinary infectious agents, which we call bacteria, as well as microbes called fungi.
As a predisposing factor, the habit of picking, scratching or drying the ear with ear buds and the presence of eczema can be counted. These conditions can cause dryness and fine cracks in the skin. In cases where there is water and heat from these skin cracks, microbes easily enter the skin and cause infection. If this infection is severe or left untreated, it can perforate the eardrum and spread to the middle ear.
What are the Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear (External Ear Canal Inflammation) Disease?
Ear pain: pain that often worsens when the outer ear is pulled or stepped on; the pain may intensify and radiate to the facial side where the affected ear is.
- Itching in the ear canal
- Foul-smelling or colored (yellow, yellow/green) pus oozing from the ear
- Plugged ear
- Redness and swelling in the outer ear
- Temporary hearing loss or decreased hearing
- Mild fever
Swimmer’s Ear (External Ear Canal Inflammation) Treatment
If you suspect you have swimmer’s ear, you can do some things to relieve the pain before going to the doctor. It is helpful to put a warm (not hot) small pillow over your ear. Aspirin or another pain reliever will also reduce the pain. After diagnosis, your doctor is expected to clean the ear canal with a suction tool or cotton swab.
This can make the irritation and pain go away. The doctor may then recommend one of several treatment methods.An ear drop with a corticosteroid (to stop itching and reduce inflammation) and an antibiotic (to control the infection) are usually given. Sometimes oral pills can also be used.
Painkillers are recommended as there is severe pain. Care should be taken not to get water into the ear during recovery.If there is no visible improvement after 3 or 4 days, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to be taken by mouth. If the causative organism is determined by laboratory tests, the antibiotic that will specifically affect it is selected.
If the external ear infection (swimmer’s ear) is caused by fungus, sulfanilamide powder is sprinkled and if it is caused by uruncolysis, it is treated with antibiotics taken orally or given as ear drops. Especially when the cause is fungus, this situation can recur many times.
What Can I Do to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear Disease?
- Keep ears as dry as possible . Place a shower cap over your head to prevent water or shampoo from getting into your ears.
- Place a cotton ball in your ear, but do not push it in. Use a dry towel to dry your ears after bathing or swimming. Use earplugs if you do water sports or are in the water frequently.
- Turn your head from side to side after getting out of the water . This helps water drain out of your ears.
- Do not insert anything into your ear canal. This includes pens/pencils, fingers, wire clips or cotton-tipped swabs. (Swabs should only be used to dry the outer ear.)
- Do not swim in dirty water.
- Do not swallow the water you swim in.
Swimmer’s Ear: Frequently Asked Questions
What is swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)?
Swimmer’s ear, medically known as acute otitis externa, is an inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal that runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It is often caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment that encourages bacterial growth.
While it is most common among swimmers, it can also be triggered by physical trauma to the ear canal (such as using cotton swabs), skin allergies, or irritation from chemical products like hairspray or dyes.
What are the early symptoms of an outer ear infection?
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear usually start mild but can worsen if the infection is not treated. Early signs often include:
- Itching inside the ear canal.
- Redness and swelling of the outer ear.
- Discomfort that increases when you pull on your outer ear (auricle) or push on the small “bump” (tragus) in front of the ear.
- Clear, odorless fluid or pus drainage.
In more advanced cases, patients may experience muffled hearing, intense pain radiating to the face, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
How long does it take for swimmer’s ear to go away?
With proper treatment, swimmer’s ear symptoms usually begin to improve within 48 to 72 hours. However, a full course of treatment typically lasts 7 to 10 days. It is critical to finish the entire prescription of eardrops, even if the pain disappears, to ensure the bacteria are completely eradicated.
During the recovery period, it is vital to keep the ear canal completely dry and avoid swimming or using earbuds until your healthcare provider confirms the infection is gone.
Can swimmer’s ear heal on its own without antibiotics?
Very mild irritation might resolve if the ear is kept strictly dry and clean; however, most cases of swimmer’s ear are bacterial and require antibiotic eardrops to heal properly. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissue (cellulitis) or deeper into the ear canal.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the discomfort, but they do not treat the underlying infection. Consult a specialist if you notice a fever or severe swelling.
How can I prevent ear infections after swimming?
Prevention is key to avoiding recurrent otitis externa. Follow these steps to keep your ears healthy:
- Dry your ears thoroughly: Use a soft towel or a hairdryer on the lowest, coolest setting held at a distance.
- Tilt your head: Help water drain out of the canal immediately after exiting the pool.
- Avoid “cleaning” with swabs: Cotton swabs can push wax deeper and create tiny tears in the skin that invite bacteria.
- Use preventive drops: If you don’t have a perforated eardrum, a 1:1 mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar can help dry the ear and inhibit bacterial growth.
Is swimmer’s ear contagious from person to person?
No, swimmer’s ear is not contagious. Unlike a middle ear infection (which often follows a cold) or a viral infection, otitis externa is localized to the ear canal of the individual. You cannot “catch” it by being near someone who has it or by sharing a swimming pool.
