What is swimmer’s ear?
The most common type of external otitis is “acute bacterial otitis externa”, also known as swimmer's ear, which is frequently seen in the summer. Symptoms include sensitivity of the auricle (pain when touched), edema of the external auditory canal, congested ear, and transparent ear discharge. Two main risk factors of this disease: swimming in a contaminated water and irritation of the external ear canal.
Mechanical irritation can be caused by actions such as ear picking, cleaning, or drying the ear, while prolonged water exposure can also contribute.
To prevent swimmer's ear, avoid picking your ear and using earplugs unless recommended by a doctor. When swimming or diving in water that may be dirty, you could consider using drops that acidify the ear as a precaution, especially after prolonged exposure. Half-diluted vinegar (acetic acid), Burrow's solution, or drops containing boric acid may be used for this purpose.
Using a few drops of acidifying solution after exposure to dirty water can prevent external otitis.
Inflammation of the outer ear canal (acute otitis externa) is most commonly caused by P.aeruginosa or S.aureus bacteria. Significant ear tenderness, swelling and discharge may be observed.
