My wife has swimmers ear, from swimming this PM any idea on how to give her
some erelief?
She has used ear drops and heat to no avail
Help
Reply: -----------------------------
Swimmer's ear refers to an infection and associated inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal called external otitis. The usual symptoms include itching, swelling, pain, and tenderness of the outer ear and canal. There is often a sensation of plugging and mild hearing loss. The condition is often associated with an accumulation of moisture in the ear canal hence the term "swimmer's ear". However moisture accumulation can occur with simply high humidity, excessive sweating, bathing, etc. Absence of ear wax (cerumen) can predispose one to outer ear inflammation and infection since cerumen provides a natural barrier or protection for the skin of the ear canal. Trauma to the ear canal such as that associated with overzealous cleaning (eg Q-tips), using a foreign object to scratch an itchy ear canal, or even one's own fingernail can lead to outer ear canal infection.
Treatment recommendations depend on the severity of the condition and the presence of other health problems. If one is a diabetic, even mild symptoms of outer ear inflammation should not be taken lightly and prompt medical attention is advised. In healthy individuals with early mild symptoms, measures designed to dry the skin of the ear canal are recommended. There are now available over-the-counter ear drops for this purpose however I have no information as to their effectiveness. The use of a hair dryer to air-blow the ears is often helpful but care should be taken so as to avoid thermal injury to the ear. The presence of pain warrants a visit to a physician for local ear cleansing, as well as antibiotic therapy. Severe cases of external otitis often require placement of a special wick into the ear canal to allow efficient delivery of topical medication into the ear.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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