Swimmer's ear

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Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Swimmer's ear

Swimmer's ear is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal.

Ear infection - outer ear - acute; Otitis externa - acute

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is fairly common, especially among teenagers and young adults. Swimming in polluted water is one way to contract swimmer's ear. The condition also can be caused by scratching (in) the ear or by an object stuck in it. Trying to clean wax from the ear canal, especially with cotton swabs or small objects, can irritate or damage the skin.

Swimmer's ear is occasionally associated with middle ear infection (otitis media) or upper respiratory infections such as colds. Moisture in the ear makes the ear susceptible to infection from water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Other bacteria, and rarely, fungus, can also cause infection.

Review Date: 06/15/2005
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.