Outer Ear infection

Outer ear infection is also known as swimmer's ear or otitis externa. Outer ear infection is a type of infection that can cause itchiness, reddening and inflammation of the outer ear. It is an infection of the outer ear and ear canal and can be caused by fungal or bacterial infection.

The symptoms can be so severe that any touch to the ear is painful. There might also be pus or discharge from the ears. Outer ear infection is not similar to middle ear infection as the outer ear will be really painful. In the other infections of the ear such as inner or middle ear, the outer ear is not painful to the touch. Swimming in polluted waters can lead to this type of outer ear infections and is usually seen within days of swimming.

Another cause of this type of infection can be the placing of contaminated objects into the ear. There have also been cases of saturation divers having outer ear infections. Strategies to prevent infection outer ear infection include avoiding swimming if you have some mild ear symptoms, drying your ears properly after your swim, avoiding the vigorous use of cotton swabs to clean the ears as well as not wearing ear phones that completely cover the whole ear. Those types of ear phones might cause friction in the ear and cause an occurrence of infection. As with the other ear infections, if the symptoms are bad or persistent, see your doctor.

He or she would be able to diagnose and prescribe the correct medication for your condition. Outer ear infection symptoms respond well to treatment, however individuals with other underlying health conditions might have complication if the infection is not treated. Those who have immune system disorders or diabetes could have other complications. Quick treatment and close monitoring is recommended for such individuals. With information readily available now about outer ear infection, individuals can get quick and efficient treatment that makes recovery time shorter.

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