Outer Ear Infections

(Otitis externa or Swimmer’s Ear)

The skin in the outer ear has a unique environment. Small amounts of bacteria and fungus live on it ordinarily (Eww) and usually do not cause a problem. Frequent water exposure creates an environment where organisms, that are usually harmless, multiply and create inflammation that may be itchy, irritating, and in some cases, very painful. This is more common in people who are old enough to swim.

If you tug on the outer ear of a child with swimmers ear it will cause pain. Sometimes the skin, both in front and behind the ear, will become red and tender. It also can hurt when they open their mouth. Swimmers ear is treated with topical antibiotic drops. Outer ear infections are usually caused by different bacterial than middle ear infections and do not respond to most antibiotics given for middle ear infections. Some outer ear infections are fungal and will not respond to typical topical antibiotic drops. Cultures taken in Dr. Sipp’s office can be helpful in differentiating how to treat this problem.

Impact of outer ear infections

Most swimmer’s ear episodes respond quickly to topical antibiotic treatment. It can be very painful and children have been hospitalized for pain control. Aggressive pain management may be necessary to keep a child comfortable during recovery. Once a child has had swimmers ear, they are a little more prone to getting it again and Dr. Sipp can be helpful with strategies of prevention as well as treatment. Swimmers ear spreads to the bone behind the ear essentially only in the immunocompromised. Mostly swimmers ear creates painful and disappointing breaks from fun activities.