Swimmer's Ear | Causes and Prevention

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What is swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's ear is an infection in the outer ear canal, which runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. It's often brought on by water that remains in your ear, creating a moist environment that aids the growth of bacteria.

What causes swimmer's ear?

Putting fingers, cotton swabs or other objects in your ears also can lead to swimmer's ear by damaging the thin layer of skin lining your ear canal. Swimmer's ear is also known as otitis externa. Usually you can treat swimmer's ear with eardrops. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and more-serious infections.

Is swimmer's ear a serious condition?

Swimmer’s ear isn’t a serious condition but it’s an infection that left untreated may cause serious medical issues. If your ears hurt or feel itchy, talk to a healthcare provider. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/15/2022. Learn more about our editorial process.

What is swimmer's ear otitis externa?

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the skin of the outer ear canal, and is also known as otitis externa. This type of infection is very common and affects all age groups. It usually gets better quickly with treatment. What are the symptoms of swimmer's ear? The ear canal might look red and dry.

How do you know if you have swimmer's ear?

Redness of the ear canal, ear pain, draining fluids and discharge of pus are signs of swimmer's ear (otitis externa). Untreated, the infection can spread to nearby tissue and bone. Swimmer's ear symptoms are usually mild at first, but they can worsen if your infection isn't treated or spreads.

Can you get swimmer's ear with ear drops?

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal — it is also known as otitis externa. It causes itchy, painful ears and can cause discharge in the ear. It is usually treated with ear drops. To prevent swimmer’s ear, you can use ear drops, avoid things that irritate the skin of the ear canal and ensure your ears remain as dry as possible.

What Is Swimmer's Ear

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swimmers-ear/symptoms-causes/syc-20351682
2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/swimmers-ear
3. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ear-infection/understanding-swimmer-ear-basics
4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-get-rid-of-swimmers-ear-7558385
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8381-swimmers-ear-otitis-externa
6. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/swimmers-ear
7. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/swimmers-ear
8. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/outer-ear-disorders/ear-canal-infection-swimmers-ear
9. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-au/home/quick-facts-ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/outer-ear-disorders/ear-canal-infection-swimmers-ear

Swimmer's Ear Information

1. https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/best-practice-improvement/clinical-guidance/emergency/otitis-externa
2. https://clinicalexcellence.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-02/otitis-externa.pdf
3. https://www.deafnessforum.org.au/factsheet-swimmers-surfers-ear/