What is Swimmer’s Ear?
The term “swimmer’s ear” is widely used to describe an infection occurring in the outer ear canal. This is the tube like canal that runs between the eardrum and the outside of the head. It’s called “swimmer’s ear” because it is common for swimmers to have to battle the condition. When swimming, or even bathing, water causes this area to become moist and this moist environment then becomes conducive to bacterial growth. The medical term for swimmer’s ear is acute external otitis or it may be referred to as otitis externa. It doesn’t occur only after swimming although this is often the case. It can also be caused by sticking things like fingers or cotton swabs into the ear canal. This can damage the skin lining and lead to an infection.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear
Usually, the symptoms associated with swimmer’s ear are very mild but if left untreated, they can worsen or spread. Mild symptoms include itching and redness in the ear. The front of the ear might become tender to touch and in some cases there is the presence of some clear liquid drainage. Moderate symptoms might include increased pain, brighter redness, and discharge containing pus, muffled hearing and increased itchiness. More advanced symptoms can include severe pain that radiates to the face, neck and side of the head. The ear canal may eventually become completely blocked and the lymph nodes in the neck may swell. If it reaches the advanced stages, there can also be a fever present.
When should you see a doctor or seek swimmer’s ear treatment?
It is best to seek the help of a medical professional or a doctor at the first sign of swimmer’s ear. Even if the symptoms are mild, it’s best to get started with a swimmer’s ear treatment to prevent its worsening. However, if you have symptoms of swimmer’s ear and hare in severe pain or start running a fever you should call the doctor or go to the nearest urgent care facility or emergency room as soon as possible.
What causes swimmer’s ear?
The ear canal is equipped with some natural defenses which help prevent infection. For one thing, there are glands which secrete cerumen which is a waxy substance that acts as a water repellent film inside the ear canal. This fluid is barely acidic which helps prevent the growth of bacteria. It also collects dead skin cells, dirt and any other debris that makes its way into the ear canal. It helps move these substances out of the ear canal before they can cause any trouble. When you clean earwax out of the ear canal you are removing this debris and the fluid. Your ear canal also slopes downward just slightly so that it helps any water drain out rather than remain standing.
When someone develops swimmer’s ear, these natural defenses have most likely become overwhelmed. There are also some conditions which can weaken the defenses of the ear and leave it open for the growth of bacteria. For instance, when you get excessive moisture in the ear from swimming, humid weather or even perspiring heavily bacteria can grow. When there are scratches or other abrasions in the ear canal, the skin breaks can hold water and allow bacteria the chance to grow. The skin in the ear canal can become damaged by cleaning the ear with just a common cotton swab, or a hairpin. They can also be damaged by using headphones or hearing aids. Some hair products that enter the ear canal can also promote an environment which causes an infection.
Are there any ways to protect the ears from swimmer’s ear?
Sometimes it is totally unavoidable; but there are some tips that can help prevent swimmer’s ear. Keeping the ears dry is the number one defense for preventing this condition. Always make sure after a swim that the water drains all the way out of your ears. As long as you are sure the eardrum is not punctured, there are some ear drops that can be used to help prevent swimmer’s ear. Avoid placing any foreign objects into the ear canal. You might put cotton balls in the outer ear when using hair products to prevent them from entering the canal.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear
Usually, the symptoms associated with swimmer’s ear are very mild but if left untreated, they can worsen or spread. Mild symptoms include itching and redness in the ear. The front of the ear might become tender to touch and in some cases there is the presence of some clear liquid drainage. Moderate symptoms might include increased pain, brighter redness, and discharge containing pus, muffled hearing and increased itchiness. More advanced symptoms can include severe pain that radiates to the face, neck and side of the head. The ear canal may eventually become completely blocked and the lymph nodes in the neck may swell. If it reaches the advanced stages, there can also be a fever present.
When should you see a doctor or seek swimmer’s ear treatment?
It is best to seek the help of a medical professional or a doctor at the first sign of swimmer’s ear. Even if the symptoms are mild, it’s best to get started with a swimmer’s ear treatment to prevent its worsening. However, if you have symptoms of swimmer’s ear and hare in severe pain or start running a fever you should call the doctor or go to the nearest urgent care facility or emergency room as soon as possible.
What causes swimmer’s ear?
The ear canal is equipped with some natural defenses which help prevent infection. For one thing, there are glands which secrete cerumen which is a waxy substance that acts as a water repellent film inside the ear canal. This fluid is barely acidic which helps prevent the growth of bacteria. It also collects dead skin cells, dirt and any other debris that makes its way into the ear canal. It helps move these substances out of the ear canal before they can cause any trouble. When you clean earwax out of the ear canal you are removing this debris and the fluid. Your ear canal also slopes downward just slightly so that it helps any water drain out rather than remain standing.
When someone develops swimmer’s ear, these natural defenses have most likely become overwhelmed. There are also some conditions which can weaken the defenses of the ear and leave it open for the growth of bacteria. For instance, when you get excessive moisture in the ear from swimming, humid weather or even perspiring heavily bacteria can grow. When there are scratches or other abrasions in the ear canal, the skin breaks can hold water and allow bacteria the chance to grow. The skin in the ear canal can become damaged by cleaning the ear with just a common cotton swab, or a hairpin. They can also be damaged by using headphones or hearing aids. Some hair products that enter the ear canal can also promote an environment which causes an infection.
Are there any ways to protect the ears from swimmer’s ear?
Sometimes it is totally unavoidable; but there are some tips that can help prevent swimmer’s ear. Keeping the ears dry is the number one defense for preventing this condition. Always make sure after a swim that the water drains all the way out of your ears. As long as you are sure the eardrum is not punctured, there are some ear drops that can be used to help prevent swimmer’s ear. Avoid placing any foreign objects into the ear canal. You might put cotton balls in the outer ear when using hair products to prevent them from entering the canal.