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What is an outer ear infection?
An outer ear infection is an infection of the outer opening of the ear and the ear canal, which connects the outside of the ear to the eardrum. This type of infection is medically known as otitis externa. One common type of otitis externa is referred to as “swimmer’s ear.”
This outer ear infection often results from exposure to moisture. It’s common in children, teens, and adults who spend a lot of time swimming. Swimmer’s ear results in nearly 2.4 millionhealthcare visits annually in the United States.
What causes an outer ear infection?
Swimming (or possibly even bathing or showering too frequently) can lead to an outer ear infection. The water left inside the ear canal can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
An infection can also occur if the thin layer of skin that lines the ear canal is injured. Intense scratching, using headphones, or placing cotton swabs in your ear can damage this delicate skin.
When this layer of skin becomes damaged and inflamed, it can provide a foothold for bacteria. Cerumen (earwax) is the ear’s natural defense against infection, but constant exposure to moisture and scratching can deplete the ear of cerumen, making infections more likely.
Ear drops; with antibiotics, cortisone to remove edema, acidic ones to make the external ear canal acidic are frequently used.
Ear buffer applications; If the edema (swelling) in the outer auditory canal is too small, small ear pads can be applied to facilitate the administration of the drug in the form of drops and to ensure that the infection is evacuated.
Use of systemic antibiotics; Especially if the lymph nodes around the ear are observed and if the infection is spreading systemic (affecting all body) antibiotics can be used.
