![]() ![]() However, the infection can become chronic due to resistant bacteria, skin conditions (dermatitis, psoriasis) and other reasons. Long-term damage is unusual in most cases. Can swimmer’s ear cause long-term damage? But because of the discomfort, most patients will seek care, as the treatments are very effective at decreasing the symptoms. ![]() In mild cases, swimmer’s ear can resolve on its own. Pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are very helpful with the discomfort. ![]() There are multiple types of these ear drops that are effective. Additionally, antibiotic ear drops, many times combined with a steroid drop, are very effective at quickly treating swimmer’s ear. Having a physician clean the ear of drainage and debris can be very helpful in treating the infection. Treatment usually decreases the duration of symptoms. It generally lasts up to seven to 10 days, but this can vary, especially in chronic cases that can continue for weeks and months. In advanced cases, the outer ear may also become red and painful. Drainage of fluid from the ear may also occur. Pain is the most common symptom, especially if it’s made worse by pulling the outer ear or pushing the piece of cartilage at the front of the ear. How can you tell if a child has swimmer’s ear? Is swimmer’s ear contagious?įortunately, it’s not contagious. It’s important for a physician to differentiate these two, especially because the treatment can be quite different. Middle ear infections usually don’t cause redness of the outer ear canal or ear. Those with middle ear infections may also have a history of these infections and may have ear tubes or other prior surgeries, and usually have more hearing loss. ![]() However, a middle ear infection doesn’t cause pain when pulling the outer ear or pushing the piece of cartilage at the front of the ear. Most middle ear infections will cause pain, hearing loss and possibly drainage, similar to swimmer’s ear. In rare cases, this can become more severe and cause pain throughout the face and neck, fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck.Ī middle ear infection is very common, especially in children. Other symptoms include itching, ear fullness or pressure and decreased hearing. A classic sign of swimmer’s ear is the pain becoming worse by pulling the outer ear or pushing the piece of cartilage at the front of the ear. These include pain, redness of the ear and ear canal, and drainage. Swimmer’s ear symptoms can vary from mild to severe. How do you know you have swimmer’s ear? What’s the difference between swimmer’s ear and an ear infection? It’s frequently caused by the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa, but other bacteria and fungus can also cause swimmer’s ear. Water creates a moist environment that allows bacteria to grow and infect the ear canal. It commonly results from water in the ear after swimming, but it can be from other causes, such as hearing aids, cotton swabs, certain skin conditions or anything that damages the skin of the ear canal. A condition called swimmer’s ear can lead to a lot of misery.įortunately, there are plenty of ways to prevent and treat this common infection of the external - or outer - ear canal known both as swimmer’s ear and “otitis externa.” But as you or your children enjoy your swimming this summer, keep an eye on your ears. Few things are more refreshing than a dip in a lake on a hot day. ![]()
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