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Swimmer's Ear »

Swimmer's ear facts

• Swimmer's ear, or external otitis, is typically a bacterial infection of the outer ear canal skin and can occur in acute and chronic forms.
• Excessive water exposure and frequent instrumentation (usually cotton swabs) of the ear canal are important causative factors.
• Itchy ears, a feeling of fullness, swelling, drainage, and pain are early symptoms.
• Antibiotic ear drops and avoidance of water are frequently necessary for treatment.
• Proper ear care can avoid most infections.

What is "swimmer's ear" or acute external otitis?

External otitis or "swimmer's ear" is an infection of the skin covering the outer ear and ear canal. Acute external otitis is commonly a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus, staphylococcus, or pseudomonas types of bacteria. The swimmer's ear infection is usually caused by excessive water exposure from sw...

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