This infection, external otitis, can be caused by a bacterial infection, a
skin condition, fungal infection, chronic irritation from the use of hearing aids, allergy, chronic drainage
from middle ear
disease, tumors, or from frequently scratching the ear. More than one factor
may be involved, for example, a person with eczema
may develop black ear drainage, which suggest an accompanying fungal infection. Swimmer's ear is considered chronic if it persists for longer than four weeks
or occurs more than four times a year.
Swimmer’s ear ache is commonly the result of by Streptococcus,
Staphylococcus,
or types of Pseudomonas bacterial infection. The swimmer's ear infection
is usually caused by excessive water exposure when water collects in the ear canal
(frequently trapped by wax) causing the skin to become soggy creating an
inviting area for bacteria to grow. Cuts
or abrasions in the lining of the ear canal (for example, from cotton swab
injury) can also predispose to bacterial infection of the ear canal.
Typically, swimmer's ear symptoms remain mild but they may
get worse if left untreated. If you experience severe pain or fever, call the
doctor immediately or visit the emergency room.
Mild symptoms
Slight redness inside your ear
Itching in your ear canal
Discomfort is made worse by pulling on your outer ear or by
pushing on the little "bump" in front of your ear
Minor drainage of a clear, odorless fluid
Moderate symptoms
Extensive redness in your ear
Increasing pain, intense itching
Excessive fluid drainage, or discharge of pus
Feeling of fullness inside your, partial blockage of the ear
canal by swelling, fluid and debris
Decreased or muffled hearing
Serious symptoms
Fever
Severe pain that may radiate to your face, neck or side of
your head
Complete blockage of your ear canal
Redness or swelling of your outer ear
Swelling in the lymph nodes in your neck
Swimmer's ear infection is commonly caused by bacteria found
in water and soil, while fungus or virus infections are less common. Ear canals have natural defenses
that help to keep them clean and to prevent infection. Glands inside the ear
canal secrete a waxy substance called cerumen. This secretion is
slightly acidic and forms a thin, water-repellent film on the skin inside your
ear and discourage bacterial growths. There is a downward slope
to the ear canal, which helps drain water out.
Risk factors that may weaken the ear's natural defenses and
allow bacterial growth to occur include: Excess moisture in your ear, Heavy
perspiration, Prolonged humid weather or water that remains in your ear after
swimming, Scratches or abrasions in your ear canal, Cleaning the ear with a
cotton swab or hairpin, Scratching inside your ear with a finger, Wearing headphones or hearing aids (which may
cause small breaks in the skin that allow bacteria to grow), Sensitivity
reactions to hair products or jewelry. The narrow ear canal of a child can more
easily trap water.
Rarely swimmer's ear may result in a deep tissue infection, called cellulitis, which can move into the deep layers and
connective tissues of the skin. An outer ear infection that causes inflammation, damage to the skin and cartilage can spread to the bones of
the skull causing severe pain. Older adults, individuals
with diabetes, or those with a weakened immune system are at increased risk of
this complication. It is possible for otitis externa to spread and affect the brain or nearby nerves but this is rare.
Many experts recommend that you seek medical treatment for symptoms
of swimmer's ear. Treatment is aimed at cleaning out the inner ear canal to
encourage healing. The physician evaluates the type and severity infection. Acidic
solutions restore the normal antibacterial environment of the ear. Antibiotics
fight off the bacteria. An antifungal medication would be used if the infection
is caused by a fungus. Steroids will reduce inflammation. While undergoing
treatment for swimmer's ear, it is important that you keep your ears dry at all
times.
If you get water in your ear tip your head to the side and
drain the water from the ear canal. If you choose to dry your ears with a
blow-dryer, put it on the lowest setting and keep the dryer at least a foot
away (0.30 meters) from your ear.
Home remedies for swimmer's ear include:
Hot
Garlic Oil---Put some olive oil in a bowl and add few pieces of grated raw garlic.
Allow the grated garlic soak overnight in the oil then strain out the pieces
the next morning. Warm the oil so that it can easily move though the ear canal,
then place around 3 drops of the oil into the affected ear, using a
dropper.
Vinegar---Mix
a few drops of white vinegar with water and using a dropper place a few drops
of the solution into each ear. Vinegar reduces the pain and itchiness. A mixture
of white vinegar with a little rubbing alcohol will speed healing.
Heat
Therapy—Create a hot pack and wrap in a thick towel and place on your ear to
relieve ear ache. If you use a heating pad, make sure to use a moderate
temperature.
Mineral
Oil---Before swimming apply a small amount of mineral oil on the ears and ear
canals to help prevent bacterial infections to a great extent. Put a small
piece of cotton coated with olive oil or petroleum jelly in each ear before going
in for a shower to keep water out of the ear.
* Make sure any flushing solution is body temperature since inserting
cool or hot fluids in the ear may cause dizziness.
A healthy diet is recommended to support the immune system. A diet
high in vitamins, minerals, protein and other essential nutrients supports your
body to fight off any bacterial infection. A balanced diet contains adequate
amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, dairy
products, lean meat, nuts and seeds. Vitamin C helps combat bacterial
infections and therefore, you should increase your consumption of oranges,
lemons, strawberries, papayas, kiwis, guavas, tomatoes, bell peppers (yellow),
leafy greens, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and certain fresh herbs.
An article from the WebMD News Archive, March 31, 2006,
tells us oral antibiotics are not recommended for initial treatment of
swimmer's ear as overuse of antibiotics can increase the spread of
antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Individuals with eardrum tubes or perforated
eardrums should contact a physician. Physician do not recommend ear candling for
treating swimmer's ear because of possible dangerous side effects that include
burns and perforated eardrum. You should avoid water sports for 7-10 days
during treatment. The article tells us: Do
not use a heating pad when you are in bed as you may fall asleep and burn yourself.
Do not use a heating pad on a child. Do not use ear candles as they have no
proven benefit in the removal of earwax or other objects in the ear and can
cause serious injury.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swimmers-ear/symptoms-causes/dxc-20201445
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Swimmers-Ear.html
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/news/20060331/ear-drops-best-for-swimmers-ear
http://www.medicinenet.com/otitis_externa/page2.htm
