Insight into causes, prevention & when to see an ENT Swimmer's
ear is an infection of the outer ear structures. It typically
occurs in swimmers, but since the cause of the infection is
water trapped in the ear canal, water from bathing or showering
may also cause this common infection. When water is trapped in
the ear canal, bacteria that normally inhabit the skin and ear
canal multiply, causing infection and irritation of the ear
canal. If the infection progresses it may involve the outer ear.
Treatment for the early stages of swimmer's ear includes careful
cleaning of the ear canal and eardrops that inhibit bacterial
growth. Mild acid solutions such as boric or acetic acid are
effective for early infections. For more severe infections, if
you do not have a perforated eardrum, ear cleaning may be helped
by antibiotics. If the ear canal is swollen shut, a sponge or
wick may be placed in the ear canal so that the antibiotic drops
will be effective. Pain medication may also be prescribed.
Follow-up appointments