Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
Get convenient online consultation for Swimmer's Ear with DocOnTrip during your travels – assess symptoms, get accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
About Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear, medically known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal, running from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It's often caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming or bathing, creating a moist environment for bacteria or fungi to grow. While it's particularly common in swimmers, it can affect anyone. Swimmer's ear can cause significant pain and discomfort, especially when traveling. DocOnTrip offers convenient online consultations to help assess your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and get you back to enjoying your trip.
Symptoms
- Ear pain, which can worsen when the earlobe is pulled or when chewing.
- Itching in the ear canal.
- Redness and swelling of the outer ear and ear canal.
- Fluid drainage from the ear (clear, odorless at first; later pus-like).
- Feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Muffled hearing or temporary hearing loss.
- Fever (less common, usually indicates a more severe infection).
Causes & Risk Factors
- Water in the ear: Creates a moist environment for bacterial growth. Common culprits include swimming, showering, or bathing.
- Damage to the ear canal: From using cotton swabs, fingers, earplugs, or other objects to clean or scratch the ear, which can break the skin and allow bacteria/fungi to enter.
- Bacterial infection: Most common cause (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus).
- Fungal infection: Less common, but can occur.
- Irritating substances: Such as hair sprays or dyes entering the ear.
- Eczema or psoriasis affecting the ear canal skin.
Diagnosis via Teleconsultation
Our doctors can diagnose swimmer's ear by discussing your symptoms in detail, focusing on ear pain, recent water exposure, and any ear manipulation. While direct examination isn't possible, the characteristic symptoms often allow for accurate presumptive diagnosis. You may be asked to provide clear images of any visible outer ear redness, swelling, or discharge.
Treatment Options
- Ear drops: Prescription antibiotic ear drops (sometimes combined with steroids to reduce inflammation) are the primary treatment.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen) for pain relief.
- Keep the ear dry: Avoid swimming and prevent water from entering the ear during showering/bathing until the infection clears.
- Do NOT use cotton swabs or put anything else in the ear canal.
- Warm compress to the outer ear for discomfort.
When to Seek Emergency Care
- Severe pain that spreads to the face or neck.
- High fever (over 39°C/102.2°F) accompanied by severe ear pain.
- Swelling or redness behind the ear, especially if it indicates mastoiditis (a spreading infection).
- Facial weakness or drooping.
- Signs of a deeper infection or if the infection is spreading in individuals with diabetes or weakened immune systems (this could lead to malignant otitis externa, a severe and potentially life-threatening complication).
- Symptoms worsening significantly or not improving after 48-72 hours of treatment.
Why Choose DocOnTrip?
- Fast and convenient assessment of your swimmer's ear symptoms for accurate diagnosis during your travels.
- Digital prescriptions for antibiotic ear drops (the main treatment) to start healing promptly.
- Guidance on pain management and crucial ear care practices to prevent worsening and ensure recovery.
- Expert advice on when in-person medical attention is necessary for severe or complicated cases.
FAQ
Can I swim with swimmer's ear? No, you should avoid swimming and keep your ear dry until the infection resolves. Water can worsen the infection and delay healing.
How can I prevent swimmer's ear? To prevent swimmer's ear, dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering, consider using earplugs when swimming, and avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean your ear canal, as these can push debris further in and irritate the skin.
How long does swimmer's ear last? With proper treatment, symptoms usually improve within 2-3 days, and the infection typically clears within 7-10 days. It's important to complete the full course of ear drops as prescribed.