Related Health Information
Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear)
What is otitis externa?
Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is an inflammation of the external ear canal. Swimmer's ear is caused by bacteria or yeast (fungus). Water that remains trapped in the ear canal (when swimming, for example) may provide a source for the growth of bacteria and yeast.
What causes swimmer's ear?
Many factors can increase your child's chance of developing swimmer's ear. As the name implies, one of the factors is excessive wetness as a result of swimming, although it can occur without swimming. Other possible causes of this infection include the following:
- Being in warm, humid places
- Harsh cleaning of the ear canal
- Trauma to the ear canal
- Dry ear canal skin
- Foreign body in the ear canal
- Lack of cerumen (ear wax)
- Eczema and other forms of dermatitis
What are the symptoms of swimmer's ear?
The following are the most common symptoms of swimmer's ear. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Redness of the outer ear
- Itching in the ear
- Pain, especially when touching or wiggling the auricle
- Drainage from the ear
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Swollen ear canal
- Decreased hearing
The symptoms of swimmer's ear may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
How is swimmer's ear diagnosed?
Swimmer's ear may be diagnosed with a complete medical history and physical examination by your child's physician. Your child's physician may use an otoscope, a lighted instrument that helps to examine the ear and aids in the diagnosis of ear disorders. This will help your child's physician know if there is also an infection in the middle ear, called acute otitis media. Although acute otitis media usually does not occur with swimmer's ear, some children may have both types of infections.
Your child's physician may also take a culture of the drainage from the ear to help determine proper treatment.
Treatment of swimmer's ear
Swimmer's ear, when properly treated by a physician, usually clears up within seven to 10 days. The specific treatment for this condition depends on many factors and is tailored for each child. Please discuss your child's condition, treatment options and your preferences with your child's physician or healthcare provider.
Treatment may include:
- Antibiotic ear drops and/or oral antibiotics
- Corticosteroid ear drops (to help decrease the swelling)
- Pain medication
- Keeping the ear dry, as directed by your child's physician
- A wick (a piece of cotton or foam) may be placed in your child's ear if there is a lot of swelling. This helps the antibiotic drops enter and work more effectively in the ear canal.
Preventing swimmer's ear
The following are some hints to help prevent swimmer's ear. If your child has ear tubes, consult with your ENT physician regarding specific instructions.
- Place two to three drops of a mixture of vinegar/isopropyl alcohol into your child's ears after significant water exposure.
- Use ear plugs for swimming or bathing.
- Do not aggressively clean your child's ear canal.
Reviewed by: Steven D. Handler, MD, MBE
Date: June 2011
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