What is swimmer’s ear and how is it treated?
Inflammation or infection of the ear canal is external otitis (swimmer’s ear). Swimming pool chemicals as well as lakes, rivers and oceans can irritate the canal lining causing swelling, itching, pain and the overgrowth of bacteria in the ear canal. Cotton tip applicators (e.g. Q-tips) and frequent cleaning of the ear can destroy the normal protection mechanism of the ear canal. Treatment consists of avoiding the cause of the irritation and then usually ear drops are prescribed, which may have an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, adjusted to a pH that will deter further germ growth. For more severe swelling the doctor may place a small cotton “wick” in the ear to keep the canal open and allow the drops to penetrate better.
