n Outer Ear Infection
(Swimmer’s Ear) n
There is a small risk of a more serious infection spread-
Outer ear infection is an infection of the ear ing outside the ear canal. This occurs mainly in children
canal, outside the eardrum. This condition is often with immune system problems (immune deficiency).
called “swimmer’s ear,” although it isn’t always
related to swimming. Outer ear infections can
cause a severe earache. The problem usually What puts your child at risk of outer
clears up quickly with antibiotic eardrops. ear infection?
Swimming in lakes, ponds, or swimming pools.
Anything that causes too much moisture in the ear canal
What is an outer ear infection? (for example, headphones or hearing aids).
An outer ear infection is an infection of the skin inside Being too vigorous about removing earwax.
the ear canal with bacteria. Especially in children, this Trauma or scratching of the ear canal. Young children
infection commonly occurs when the inside of the ear canal may place their fingers or foreign bodies in the ear.
stays wet for a period of time, such as after swimming.
That’s why it’s sometimes called “swimmer’s ear”; the med- Previous outer ear infections.
ical term is otitis externa. Infection may also result from
other causes, such as foreign bodies stuck in the ear. This
is not an “inner ear infection” (acute otitis media) which Can outer ear infections
occurs behind the eardrum and is usually accompanied by be prevented?
an upper respiratory infection (a cold).
Outer ear infection can cause a severe earache. Antibiotic If your child gets a lot of these kinds of ear infections,
eardrops, which are sometimes used to soak a “wick” that is special ear drops recommended by your doctor placed
placed in the ear, are an effective treatment. in both ears immediately may help.
Avoid sticking anything in your child’s ear (including
Q-Tips).
What does it look like?
Ear pain, which may be severe.
How are outer ear infections
The pain is usually worse when you touch or pull on
your child’s ear. treated?
Itching in the ear; this may occur before ear pain and/or Antibiotic eardrops are an effective treatment for outer
while the infection is clearing up. ear infections. The drops are placed in the ear a few times
per day, usually for 7 to 10 days.
Swelling and redness of the ear canal.
If the ear canal is badly swollen, it may need to be
Soft, white ear wax or drainage from the ear. cleaned out before treatment. The doctor may place a
Lymph glands in the head and neck may be swollen. small piece of cotton-like material, called a wick, into
your child’s ear. Apply antibiotic eardrops to the cotton
In severe cases, the outer ear may be red and swollen. three times per day, as instructed by the doctor. The
swelling should be better after 2 or 3 days, allowing the
! Rarely, inability to move part of the face, dizziness,
wick to be removed. Then continue using antibiotic
or hearing loss. These may be signs of a more serious
infection—call our office immediately. eardrops.
Keep the ear dry. Your child will have to stop swimming
for a while. Keep the ear from getting wet while your
What are some possible child is bathing in the shower or tub.
complications of outer ear Give analgesics (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) if neces-
infection? sary to relieve pain. Pain and swelling should decrease
within a few days of starting antibiotic drops.
The infection usually clears up promptly with antibiotic
treatment. Oral antibiotics are rarely needed.
116 Copyright 2007 by Elsevier
Outer Ear Infection (Swimmer’s Ear) n 117
Occasionally, the ear canal may become infected with a The outer ear is very swollen and red.
fungus. In this case, other medications will be prescribed.
Your child develops an inability to move part of the face, !
When should I call your office? dizziness, or hearing loss. These may be signs of a more
serious infection.
Call our office if :
Ear pain and swelling aren’t getting better after 2 or 3
days of treatment or if they get worse.
Please type your custom instructions and/or office contact information here.
Copyright 2007 by Elsevier
