Swimmer's ear

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Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Swimmer's ear

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

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. The ear canal should be cleaned of drainage to allow topical medications to work effectively.

Effective medications include ear drops containing antibiotics to fight infection, and corticosteroids to reduce itching and inflammation. Ear drops should be used abundantly (four or five drops at a time) in order to penetrate the end of the ear canal. If the ear canal is very swollen, a wick may be applied in the ear to allow the drops to travel to the end of the canal.

Occasionally, pills may be used in addition to the topical medications. Analgesics may be used if pain is severe. Putting something warm against the ears may reduce pain.

Protect ears from further damage. Do not scratch the ears or insert cotton swabs or other objects in the ears. Keep ears clean and dry, and do not let water enter the ears when showering, shampooing, or bathing.

Swimmer's ear responds well to treatment, but complications may occur if it is not treated. Some individuals with underlying medical problems, such as diabetes, may be more likely to get complications such as malignant otitis externa.

• Chronic otitis externa
• Malignant otitis externa
• Spread of infection to other areas of the body

Call for an appointment with your doctor if you develop any symptoms of swimmer's ear. Call your doctor if the symptoms worsen or persist despite treatment, or if new symptoms appear, including pain and redness of the skull behind the ear or persistent fever.

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.