Swimmer ear
Swimmer's ear (external otitis) is fairly common, especially among teenagers and young adults. Sometimes, swimmer's ear is associated with middle ear infection (otitis media) or infections of the upper airway, such as colds.
Swimming in polluted water can lead to swimmer's ear this. The water-loving bacteria such as pseudomonas as well as other bacteria or fungi (rare), can cause ear infections.
Other causes of swimmer's ear include:
- Inflammation and irritation of the bone and tissue in the back of the skull (malignant external otitis)
- Scratching the ear or inside the ear
- Object stuck in ear
Trying to clean wax from the ear canal, especially with cotton swabs or small objects, can irritate or damage the skin.
Swimmer's ear long (chronic) may be due to:
- Allergic reaction to something in the ear as
- Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis chronic
The doctor will perform a physical exam, which includes looking inside the ears. The ear, including the ear canal, appears red and swollen and the skin inside the canal may be scaly or shedding.
Touching or moving the outer ear increases the pain. The visualization of the eardrum with an otoscope can be difficult for the doctor due to inflammation of the outer ear or ear drum may have a hole, called a perforation.
The doctor may take a sample of fluid from the ear and sent to a laboratory so as to identify any bacteria or fungi.