What is an outer ear canal infection?
The outer ear canal is the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum. Inflammation of the skin of this canal is called otitis externa, popularly known as "swimmer's ear" — its most important trigger is water entering the ear and the canal remaining moist. It becomes markedly more common during the pool and sea season.
Why does it happen?
Removing the canal's natural protector — earwax — with cotton swabs, scratching or picking at the ear, prolonged earphone use and persistent moisture damage the skin barrier and allow bacteria to settle. Skin conditions such as eczema, and diabetes, also increase the risk.
Symptoms
The typical picture is ear pain that increases when the outer ear is touched or during chewing, fullness, itching and discharge. Hearing may be temporarily reduced when the canal swells. Pain that clearly worsens with touch is an important clue distinguishing outer ear infection from middle ear infection.
What is fungal ear (otomycosis)?
Some outer ear infections are caused not by bacteria but by fungi; this is called otomycosis. The most prominent complaint is persistent itching; fullness, mild pain and a whitish-grey or black-speckled discharge may be seen. Long courses of antibiotic ear drops, a moist environment and the habit of picking the ear predispose to fungal infection. The key step in treatment is thorough cleaning of the canal by the physician under the microscope/endoscope, followed by antifungal drops. Treatment can take longer than bacterial infection and cleaning may need to be repeated several times.
Treatment and prevention
For bacterial otitis externa, treatment rests on cleaning the canal and using appropriate ear drops. In severe cases a medicated wick may be placed in the canal; oral antibiotics are needed only in selected situations. Keeping the ear dry during treatment is essential. To prevent recurrences: do not use cotton swabs, do not pick your ears, gently dry the ears after swimming, and ask your physician about preventive measures if infections keep recurring.
This article is for general information purposes only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.