![]() ![]() Older adults, people with diabetes or people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of this complication. This is a rare complication of swimmer's ear that occurs as the infection spreads to the cartilage of the outer ear and bones of the lower part of the skull, causing increasingly severe pain. Bone and cartilage damage (early skull base osteomyelitis).Rarely, swimmer's ear can spread into deep layers and connective tissues of the skin. Chronic infections are more common if there are conditions that make treatment difficult, such as a rare strain of bacteria, an allergic skin reaction, an allergic reaction to antibiotic eardrops, a skin condition such as dermatitis or psoriasis, or a combination of a bacterial and a fungal infection. An outer ear infection is usually considered chronic if signs and symptoms persist for more than three months. Long-term infection (chronic otitis externa).You might have muffled hearing that usually gets better after the infection clears. Swimmer's ear usually isn't serious if treated promptly, but complications can occur. Ear devices, such as earbuds or hearing aids, which can cause tiny breaks in the skin.Cleaning the ear canal with cotton swabs, hairpins or fingernails, which can cause scratches or abrasions.Exposure to high bacteria levels in contaminated water.Excess moisture in your ear canal from heavy perspiration, prolonged humid weather or water remaining in the ear after swimming.Damage to the sensitive skin of the ear canal that creates an opening for infectionįactors that can increase the risk of swimmer's ear include:.Moisture in the ear canal that creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth.The conditions that often play a role in infection include: ![]() If you have swimmer's ear, your natural defenses have been overwhelmed. The outer ear, particularly around the opening of the ear canal, helps prevent foreign bodies from entering.Earwax (cerumen) is an accumulation of this waxy film, dead skin cells and other debris that travels to the opening of the ear canal to keep it clean. A thin, water-repellent, slightly acidic film lines the ear canal and discourages bacterial growth.Your outer ear canals have natural defenses that help keep them clean and prevent infection. It's less common for a fungus or virus to cause swimmer's ear. Swimmer's ear is an infection that's usually caused by bacteria. Swelling in the lymph nodes in your neckĬontact your doctor if you have even mild signs or symptoms of swimmer's ear.Ĭall your doctor immediately or visit the emergency room if you have:.Severe pain that might radiate to your face, neck or side of your head.Feeling of fullness inside your ear and partial blockage of your ear canal by swelling, fluid and debris.Mild discomfort that's made worse by pulling on your outer ear (pinna or auricle) or pushing on the little "bump" in front of your ear (tragus).Doctors often classify swimmer's ear according to mild, moderate and advanced stages of progression. Swimmer's ear symptoms are usually mild at first, but they can worsen if your infection isn't treated or spreads. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |