Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is a common infection of the outer ear canal. It is caused by bacteria that enter the ear canal through the ear canal opening. Swimmer’s ear is often associated with swimming, but it can also be caused by other activities that involve water exposure, such as bathing, showering, or using a hot tub. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include pain, itching, redness, and swelling of the ear canal. In some cases, there may also be discharge from the ear.
Swimmer’s ear can be a very painful condition, and it can also lead to more serious complications, such as infection of the middle ear or mastoid bone. Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent swimmer’s ear, especially if you are planning on swimming or participating in other water activities. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent swimmer’s ear, including:
