Otitis externa, commonly known as Swimmer’s Ear, is an infection affecting the outer ear canal. This condition typically begins when water becomes trapped, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria or fungi can easily multiply. While often associated with swimming, any activity that leaves retained moisture in the ear, such as showering or living in a humid climate, can disrupt the ear canal’s natural defenses and allow an infection to take hold.
Identifying Swimmer’s Ear
The initial signs of Swimmer’s Ear are often mild, beginning with uncomfortable itchiness deep inside the ear canal. As the infection progresses, a sharp increase in pain occurs. This discomfort frequently worsens when the outer ear is gently tugged or when pressure is applied to the small bump in front of the ear opening.
The skin lining the ear canal may appear red and mildly swollen, sometimes making the ear feel full or plugged. In more moderate cases, the swelling can intensify and be accompanied by fluid drainage, which may be clear at first but can later turn into pus. Increasing inflammation can lead to muffled hearing, and the pain may radiate to the jaw, neck, or side of the face.
Standard Treatment Procedures
Treatment often requires a visit to a healthcare provider. The first step in medical intervention is the gentle cleaning of the ear canal. A doctor may use a small suction device or a specialized tool to remove any accumulated debris, excess earwax, or discharge blocking the passage.
This cleaning ensures that prescription ear drops can reach the infected tissues within the canal. The prescribed drops typically contain an antibiotic to combat the bacterial infection, which is the most common cause of the condition. In some instances, the drops may also include a steroid component to reduce swelling and inflammation, helping to alleviate the associated pain.
If the infection is caused by a fungus, antifungal drops will be used instead of antibiotics. For managing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are commonly recommended. Patients are advised to keep the affected ear completely dry and avoid swimming or submerging the head in water during treatment.
Typical Healing Timeline
Once the prescribed ear drops are administered, patients typically begin to experience noticeable relief from pain and discomfort within the first 24 to 48 hours. The steroid component in the drops works quickly to reduce inflammation. It is important to continue the medication even after this initial improvement.
Significant improvement in symptoms, including a reduction in drainage and the return of normal hearing, is usually observed within three to five days of starting treatment. A full course of treatment, often lasting between seven and ten days, is required for the infection to be fully resolved. Stopping the drops prematurely, even if symptoms have disappeared, can lead to a recurrence of the infection.
Healing may be delayed in more severe cases where the ear canal is heavily swollen, potentially requiring the insertion of a small wick by the doctor. This wick is a piece of gauze that helps carry the drops past the inflamed area, ensuring the medicine reaches the infection. Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or a compromised immune system, may also slow the healing process and require a longer or more intensive treatment plan.
Preventing Future Infections
Preventing the recurrence of Swimmer’s Ear centers on managing moisture and avoiding trauma to the ear canal lining. After swimming, showering, or bathing, thoroughly dry the ears by tilting the head to each side to allow any trapped water to drain out. Gently pulling the earlobe in different directions while the head is tilted can help straighten the canal and aid in the draining process.
Using a hair dryer set on the lowest heat and speed setting, held several inches from the ear, can help evaporate residual moisture. Preventative ear-drying drops, often a mixture of alcohol and white vinegar, are also an option. The alcohol helps to dry the water, and the mild acidity of the vinegar helps restore the ear canal’s natural environment, which discourages bacterial growth.
Never insert objects, such as cotton swabs, fingers, or hairpins, into the ear canal, as this can scratch the skin and push protective earwax deeper. These microscopic abrasions create entry points for bacteria, increasing the risk of a new infection. Wearing earplugs while swimming is an effective measure to keep water out and maintain a dry ear environment.