Overview

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is a painful inflammation and infection of the ear canal. It causes the ear canal to look red and swollen. The ear canal may be narrower than normal and is tender when the outside of the ear is gently pulled up and back.

Swimmer's ear may occur when water, sand, dirt, or other debris gets into the ear canal. This can damage the protective layer of the ear canal, which may lead to inflammation. It gets its name because it often occurs when excess water enters the ear canal. If you've had swimmer's ear in the past, you are more likely to get it again.

A rare but serious infection called malignant external otitis can develop if bacteria invade the bones inside the ear canal and spread to the base of the skull. But not many people get this infection. It's mainly seen in older adults who also have diabetes, people who have HIV, and children who have impaired immune systems. But it can be fatal. Symptoms may include severe ear pain with drainage, loss of movement in part of the face, swelling, and breakdown of the skin in the ear canal. Antibiotics are used to treat this infection.

Other causes of inflammation or infection of the ear canal include:

• Allergies.
• Bony overgrowths in the ear canal called exostoses.
• Bubble baths, soaps, and shampoos.
• Cleaning the ear canal harshly or with a sharp object.
• Headphones inserted into the ear.
• Scratching the ear canal with a cotton swab, bobby pin, fingernail, or other sharp object.
• Skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis.
• Sweating.

You are more likely to get swimmer's ear if:

• You have a very narrow or hairy ear canal.
• You have earwax stuck in the ear canal (impacted) because you often use cotton swabs that may push the ear wax deeper into the ear canal.

Symptoms can include itching, pain, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Your ear canal may be swollen. You may have moderate to severe pain, drainage, or hearing loss. The pain is worse when you chew, press on the bump (tragus) in front of the ear, or wiggle your earlobe. This is different from the pain of a middle ear infection (acute otitis media).

You may be able to prevent swimmer's ear. Symptoms often get better or go away with home treatment.

Self-Care

Some home treatment can help mild swimmer's ear. Do not put eardrops or anything else in the ear unless your doctor has told you to. Try the following tips to help mild swimmer's ear.

• Rinse out your ear.

  Gently rinse your ear using a bulb syringe and a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Make sure the flushing solution is body temperature. Inserting cool or hot fluids in the ear can make you dizzy.

• Try eardrops.

  If your ear is itchy, try nonprescription swimmer's eardrops, such as Swim-Ear. Use them before and after you swim or get your ears wet. Read and follow all instructions on the label, and learn how to insert eardrops safely.

• Take over-the-counter medicines to reduce pain.

  Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

• Do not use ear candles.

  They have no proven benefit in the removal of earwax or other objects in the ear. And they can cause serious injury.

If you are concerned that your symptoms are more serious, you may need to check with your doctor.

When to call for help during self-care

Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

• New or worse bleeding or drainage.
• New symptoms, such as hearing loss or dizziness.
• The ear canal or skin around the ear becomes red, swollen, itchy or painful.
• Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.

Learn more

Preparing For Your Appointment