Swimmer's ear is an infection in the outer ear canal, which runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It's often brought on by water that remains in your ear after swimming, creating a moist environment that aids bacterial growth.
Putting fingers, cotton swabs or other objects in your ears also can lead to swimmer's ear by damaging the thin layer of skin lining your ear canal.
Swimmer's ear is also known as acute external otitis or otitis externa. The most common cause of this infection is bacteria invading the skin inside your ear canal. Usually you can treat swimmer's ear with eardrops. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and more-serious infections.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Swimmer's ear symptoms are usually mild at first, but they may get worse if your infection isn't treated or spreads. Doctors often classify swimmer's ear according to mild, moderate and advanced stages of progression.
Call your doctor immediately or visit the emergency room if you have:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Swimmer's ear is an infection that's usually caused by bacteria commonly found in water and soil. Infections caused by a fungus or a virus are less common.
Your outer ear canals have natural defenses that help keep them clean and prevent infection. Protective features include:
If you have swimmer's ear, your natural defenses have been overwhelmed. Conditions that can weaken your ear's defenses and promote bacterial growth include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Doctors can usually diagnose swimmer's ear during an office visit. If your infection is at an advanced stage or persists, you may need further evaluation.
Your doctor will likely diagnose swimmer's ear based on symptoms you report, questions he or she asks, and an office examination. You probably won't need a lab test at your first visit. Your doctor's initial evaluation will usually include:
Depending on initial assessment, symptom severity or the stage of your swimmer's ear, your doctor may recommend additional evaluation.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Swimmer's ear usually isn't serious if treated promptly, but complications can occur.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Follow these tips to avoid swimmer's ear:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Factors that may increase your risk of swimmer's ear include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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