Overview
Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum. It often follows water staying in the ear after swimming or bathing, or damage from cotton buds, which lets bacteria or fungi grow. It causes ear pain, itching and discharge, and the ear is very tender when tugged. It usually clears with medicated ear drops and by keeping the ear dry; poking the ear with buds should be avoided.
Symptoms
- Ear pain, often severe and worse on tugging the ear
- Itching inside the ear canal
- Discharge from the ear
- A blocked, full feeling and reduced hearing
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for ear pain with discharge or a blocked ear, and keep the ear dry — avoid cotton buds and let a doctor clean the ear.
Causes
Bacteria or fungi growing in a moist ear canal after swimming or bathing, or after damage to the canal skin from cotton buds or scratching.