Outer Ear Infection

Outer ear infection is also known as swimmer's ear, or otitis externa. Outer ear infection occurs when the outer ear and ear canal are irritated, inflamed or infected. This is a common condition resulting from ears being exposed to too much moisture.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of an outer ear infection include ear pain, itching, draining from the ear and redness of the skin. Outer ear infection can also cause the ears to feel full.

Causes

• Outer ear infection is caused by excess moisture in the ears, and scratching the ear or inside the ear. It can also be caused by inserting something like a cotton swab inside the ear to clean ear wax.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors of developing outer ear infection include swimming, skin irritation from hair products, having a small ear canal and excessive earwax.

Complications

• Complications of outer ear infection include the possibility the infection could spread to other parts of the body. Other potential complications are temporary hearing loss and chronic ear infections.

Treatment

• See a doctor if you have outer ear infection. Treatment involves using ear drops, which contain antibiotics, and steroids to reduce inflammation. Use analgesics if you have stronger pain, or put something warm against the infected ear.