Swimmer's Ear: Not Just for Swimmers
Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is a exquisitely painful infection of the ear canal that leads to the ear drum. .According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, any activity that allows water to enter your ears can cause it. This includes showering, washing your hair, even using a sauna. In fact, just being in a warm, humid climate could do it.
The skin of the ear canal is normally protected by a think coating of ear wax. When water enters the ear, it may bring bacterial or fungal particles. If the water runs back out, the ear dries out and the bacteria and fungi don't cause any problems. But sometimes water remains trapped in the ear canal, washing away the ear wax and allowing the skin to get soggy. Then the bacteria and fungi flourish and can infect the outer ear. The infection can be cured with ear drops.
See a doctor if any of these symptoms occur:
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Your ears feel blocked or itch.
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The ear canal becomes red, swollen, perhaps even swelling shut.
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A milky fluid drains from your ear.
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The ear becomes very painful and tender to touch, especially the cartilage in front of the ear canal.
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Publication Source:
Health and You magazine
Author:
Jalkiewicz, Joseph J.
Online Source:
CDC
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/swimmers_ear.htm
Online Editor:
Louise Akin RN BSN
Online Editor:
Rademaekers, Ed
Online Medical Reviewer:
Akin, Louise RN, BSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Saxon, Keith MD
Date Last Reviewed:
2/24/2008
Date Last Modified:
10/17/2008