*Swimmers Ear (Otitis Externa)

Otitis externa, or swimmers ear, is an infection caused by bacterial or fungal growth in the ear canal. This is different from otitis media, or an average ear infection, because it occurs in front of the ear drum. Symptoms include itchiness, ear discharge, and the outer ear being painful to the touch. A common source of otitis externa is leftover water in the ear after swimming or showering. Treatment typically includes ear drops and ibprofen or acetominophen for pain as needed. Swimmers ear can be prevented by fully drying the ear canal after swimming, which can be done using a blow dryer on low heat.