External Ear Diseases

External Ear Canal Inflammation (Otitis Externa)

External ear canal inflammation is the inflammation of the skin lining the external auditory canal. It is commonly referred to as “swimmer’s ear” because it often develops after prolonged exposure to water.

Causes of External Ear Canal Inflammation

The most frequent cause of external ear canal inflammation is the creation of an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria and fungi, often introduced through the use of foreign objects like cotton swabs. Other causes include:

• Exposure to hot tub or pool water containing common bacteria,
• Excessive cleaning of the external auditory canal with cotton swabs or similar objects,
• Contact of the external auditory canal with hair dye or hair spray,
• Skin damage or injury to the external auditory canal during ear washing or wax removal,
• Eczema or seborrheic dermatitis affecting the external auditory canal.

Symptoms of External Ear Canal Inflammation

Symptoms of external ear canal inflammation include:

• Itching inside the ear and pain that worsens when touching the auricle,
• A sensation of ear blockage,
• Ear discharge,
• Fever,
• Pain radiating to the face, neck, and temporal region, which intensifies with jaw movements,
• The appearance of painful lymph nodes in the neck on the side of the affected ear.

Treatment of External Ear Canal Inflammation

Treatment begins with the careful cleaning of the inflamed external auditory canal. Although this procedure may cause some discomfort, it alleviates pain and resolves the sensation of ear blockage. For medication, drops that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi causing the inflammation are prescribed. These drops may come as pre-packaged solutions or as custom-prepared mixtures from a pharmacy based on a doctor’s prescription.

How to Use Drops in the Treatment of Swimmer’s Ear

• It is often easier for another person to administer the drops into the affected ear.
• The patient should lie on their healthy ear, keeping the affected ear facing upward.
• Drops should be applied until the external auditory canal is completely filled.
• After applying the drops, the patient should remain in the same position for a few minutes. – Asia Europe ENT