Infection of Outer Ear Canal

Infection of the outer ear canal is known as otitis externa, or more commonly as "swimmer's ear." The infection, caused by bacteria in the thin layer of skin lining the outer ear canal, is usually easy to treat if addressed as soon as symptoms appear.

The Ear's Defenses

• The human ear secretes a waxy substance called cerumen, which protects the delicate skin of the ear canal from moisture and abrasion, fights bacteria with its acidic and antibacterial properties, and transports dead skin and debris out of the ear canal. When this protective waxy barrier is compromised, the ear is at risk of infection.

  Excessive exposure to water or humidity, or an abrasion in the ear caused by the use of a cotton swab or other implement, can cause this. Swimmers, naturally, have a higher-than-average incidence of water in the ears and therefore are prone to infections of the outer ear; hence the name "swimmers ear."

Symptoms

• The first symptoms of swimmer's ear typically include itching and redness of the ear canal. If the infection progresses, other symptoms like drainage of fluid or pus, pain or muffled hearing can develop.

Other Risk Factors

• Aside from frequent swimming, other factors increase the likelihood of an infection of the outer ear canal. They include excessive cleaning of the ear, swimming in water with higher-than-normal levels of bacteria, having small ear canals that easily trap moisture, skin allergies to jewelry or other agents, or sensitivity to hair styling products near the ear canal.

Treatment

• An infection of the outer ear canal is treated by cleaning the ear canal so that medication can reach the skin, and by applying the medication in the form of drops. The drops typically contain an antibiotic or antifungal medication and a steroid to reduce inflammation.

  Ear drops are sometimes more comfortable if warmed almost to body temperature before application. Do this by holding the bottle in your hand for a few minutes prior to use. Also, lie on your side during application with your ear facing up so that the drops will penetrate through the ear canal.

Prevention

• Several practices can reduce the likelihood of an outer ear infection, including keeping the ears dry when possible. After bathing or swimming, dry the outer ear only with a cloth and tilt your head to help water deeper in the canal drain out. A hairdryer on low and held at a comfortable distance from the ear and can also speed drying.

  Avoid swimming in polluted water or digging in the ear with a cotton swab or other device that can scratch or irritate the ear. If you swim frequently or have a history of outer ear infections, you may benefit from homemade preventive made from equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol. One teaspoon poured into each ear and allowed to drain out again before and after swimming can boost your ear's natural resistance to bacteria. However, this treatment should not be used if you have a ruptured eardrum.