Swimmer's ear - chronic

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Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

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

The goal is to cure the infection, usually with ear drops containing antibiotics. Corticosteroids can reduce itching and inflammation. Sometimes other remedies such as acetic acid (vinegar) drops may be used.

If the ear canal is very swollen, a wick may be placed in the ear to allow the drops to travel to the end of the canal. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may help relieve pain.

In elderly individuals or diabetics with persistent ear pain or drainage, malignant otitis externa is a possibility. The ears should be evaluated with CT scanning to look for bone erosion. Malignant otitis externa is treated with high-dose intravenous antibiotics effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Chronic swimmer's ear usually responds to treatment. Treatment may be prolonged or repeated. If untreated, complications may develop.

• Infection of the surrounding skin
• Malignant otitis externa, which can cause bone infection, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of chronic swimmer's ear, or if acute swimmer's ear does not respond to treatment.

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