About this topic
It is the swelling or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. Germs can enter into the ears and cause infection. They may come in through an ear wound. This is more likely to happen when something is stuck in your ear or if your ear is wet for a long time. The signs may happen a few days after swimming. ‚
Long-term otitis externa may be caused by: ‚
- Allergic reaction
- Skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Be sure to treat an infection right away. This will help to keep it from spreading to other parts of your ear.
- Heat may help ease your ear pain. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your ear for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Relieve itching
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about when you may swim again. ‚
What problems could happen?
Very bad infection ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep your ears dry:
- Use a bathing cap or ear plugs when swimming.
- Use a towel to dry your ears after swimming or taking a bath.
- Do not swim in dirty or polluted water.
- Do not scratch your ears.
- Do not put swabs or other objects in your ears.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain.
- Signs get worse
- You feel pain and there is redness of the bone behind your ear
- Drugs you are taking are not working for you
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Talk to your doctor to see if there are drops you can use to help prevent the growth of germs. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have pain or redness of the bone behind my ear.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/rwi/illnesses/swimmers-ear.html ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/pdf/swimming/resources/pseudomonas-factsheet_swimmers_ear.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚