Swimmer’s Ear-causes, symptoms & treatment
Medically Reviewed by Dr Richard Bennett
Last updated on 19.06.2023
What is Swimmer’s Ear?
- Swimmer’s ear is an infection or inflammation of the outer parts of ear. It is also known as Otitis Externa.
- In Swimmer’s Ear there is inflammation of the outer ear canal (the part between your outer ear and eardrum). The skin that lines the ear canal becomes inflamed, irritated and swollen, due to a bacterial or fungal infection.
- While it is commonly known as Swimmer’s Ear, you don’t have to go swimming to get it- there are other possible triggers.
What causes Swimmer’s Ear?
- If your ears get wet, the skin inside the ear canal can become waterlogged and softened, which can make it easier for infection to set in. Swimming or bathing in dirty water that contains bacteria may also cause infection to occur.
- Anything that irritates or injures the skin of the ear canals can also increase the risk of getting Swimmer’s Ear- for example
- cleaning of the ears with cotton buds or fingers!
- irritation by chemicals in skin or hair products, such as shampoos, hair dyes, hair spray etc
- eczema or psoriasis
- Spread from other nearby infections- such as an infected hair follicle or middle ear infection
- People with Diabetes may also be at higher risk
- People with a weakened immune system
- And some people just have narrower ear canals that are prone to infection
What are the symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear?
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear include
- blocked ears
- earache
- pain and tenderness around the outer parts if the ear (even on gentle touching)
- discharge from the ear
- itchiness
- fever
- tinnitus (buzzing or ringing in the ears)
How is Swimmer’s Ear diagnosed?
- A doctor can diagnose Otitis Externa by looking in your ears- the skin will usually look inflamed and flaky, and the canal may be swollen, tender and blocked.
- Sometimes a swab may be taken to see what bugs are causing the infection (though this isn’t usually necessary)
- If complications of Swimmer’s Ear are suspected, imaging may be needed such as an MRI.
What is the treatment for Swimmer’s Ear?
Treatment of Swimmer’s Ear may involve:
- antibiotic and/or steroid ear drops (sometimes the doctor may recommend inserting a “wick” which has been soaked in the medicated drops)
- antibiotic tablets
- pain relief
- sometimes the canal may need to be cleaned out by a doctor
- getting proper treatment for underlying conditions such as eczema and diabetes
How long does it take treatment for Swimmer’s Ear to work?
- It usually takes a week or so for ear drops to completely clear the symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear.
- Treatment is often prescribed for 7 to 10 days, but your doctor may advise a longer course depending on your symptoms.
- It’s often recommended to continue ear drops for a couple of days after the symptoms have disappeared.
How can you avoid Swimmer’s Ear?
- dry ears gently but carefully after swimming or bathing
- avoid putting things such as cotton buds (or your fingers!) inside your ears
- avoid swimming or bathing in dirty water
- avoid irritating hair products (or wear ear plugs while applying)
- consider wearing a swimming cap or ear plugs while swimming
What are the complications of Swimmer’s Ear?
Complications of Swimmer’s Ear can include:
- Chronic Otitis Externa – in some people the symptoms keep coming back after treatment and can become almost constant in some cases. In people who get repeated infection, the ear canal may become narrowed over time, further contributing to the problem.
- Cellulitis- infection can spread to the tissue around the ear, and into the face, leading to increased pain, fevers, redness and swelling. Cellulitis is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention, as an antibiotic drip may be needed.
- Malignant Otitis Externa is when infection spreads to bones and cartilage around the ear, and potentially further into the brain. People with weakened immune systems are more at risk. It is a very serious condition and requires emergency medical treatment such as intravenous antibiotics and occasionally surgery. Anyone with Swimmer’s Ear who experiences worsening fevers, muscle weakness in the face, dizziness, headaches or general unwellness, should see a doctor immediately.
If you have concerns about Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear), speak to your GP or an Ear Nose & Throat Specialist.
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