An infection in the outer ear is a condition by which the outer ear canal has inflamed. The ear canal is a tube that begins from the external ear and will end at the eardrum. The infection which is also called external otitis is the result of bacteria or fungus which has gained entry inside the ear canal.
When compared to other kinds of ear infections, infection on the outer ear is usually not worrisome since the swelling will only affect the ear canal and will not cause any damage to the eardrum. Since infections in the outer ear are commonly diagnosed in swimmers, this condition is also termed as the swimmer’s ear.
Outer Ear Infection Symptoms
Even if the ear canal will appear inflamed, the outer skin of the tube will show swelling. Will the individual who is affected with swimmer’s ear become aware that he is suffering from this kind of ear problem? Unluckily, the answer to this question is yes since the infected ear will become the source of discomfort. This is due to the fact that the infection will cause persistent pain in the ear. In addition, the individual will also feel like scratching the infected ear because of the itching sensation which goes with the outer ear infection. Nevertheless, scratching on the ear has to be avoided since this can only aggravate the infection.
Furthermore, outer ear infection will have a negative effect on the person’s ability to hear well. But this could only be a temporary issue and will only cause hearing loss that is mild to moderate. The infected ear will also appear pretty heavy because of the presence of pus. In a lot of cases, ear discomfort will not be bothersome. But an infection that is severe is certainly not very easy to manage since the pain will not allow the person to concentrate as he performs his daily activities.
Outer Ear Infection Causes
The primary reason that will cause outer ear infection is swimming in unclean water. Some degree of contamination may be present in the swimming water. You need to make sure that the water is adequately clean so that if water will accidentally goes into the ear, it will not cause any kind of infection.
Shampoo which can enter into the ear canal while a person is washing his hair may also lead to problems in the ear. Another common reason for outer ear infection is scratching the ear canal while your fingers are contaminated.
Outer Ear Infection Treatment
How do cure an ear infection? Though this could be a common ear problem what it requires is timely treatment in order to prevent the infection from spreading to the inner areas of the ear. What you will see below are the medications to be given so that the symptoms of outer ear infection will be relieved.
Cleaning the Ear
In order for the treatment to become effective, it is necessary to clean the ear canal. You need to remove the pus which has accumulated so that the medication will work and eliminate the infection successfully. The doctor can make use of a cotton swab or would like to use a suction device in getting rid of the pus.
Ear Drops
The usual first line of treatment for outer ear infections is the use of ear drops. These are prescribed according to the kind of infection a person has. A bacterial infection will respond well with antibiotic ear drops. On the other hand, infection which is a result of fungus is commonly treated with the use of anti-fungal ear drops. The use of ear drops alone may not be helpful in cases of severe infection that is why the doctor will also prescribe oral medications like the antibiotics. Together with the antibiotics for ear infection, the doctor will also recommend the use of ear drops which contain steroids so that the swelling of the ear canal will be reduced. Another remedy for the cure of outer ear infection is the application of ear drops which contain acetic acid or aluminum acetate. But these should not be given to children less than three years of age as per recommendation of the doctors.
A valuable home remedy for outer ear infection will involve using a mixture which contains white vinegar and also rubbing alcohol. In preparing this kind of solution, try to mix the ingredients in equal amounts and then with the use of a sterilized ear dropper try adding some drops of the mixture inside the ear. So far, this is among the best home remedies in curing ear infections. White vinegar is recognized for its antibacterial properties making it helpful in killing the germs.
Pain Relievers
Moreover, the doctor will advise the patient to take pain killers like paracetamol or ibuprofen in order to reduce the pain which is associated with the outer ear infection.