Superficial infection of the external auditory canal with inflammation
SUPERFICIAL INFECTION OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITORY CANAL WITHINFLAMMATION
Superficial infection of the external auditory canal is a common occurrence brought about by poor hygienic practices, scratches or abrasions, construction of the external auditory canal or even through foreign material like water wax or bacteria introduced from swimming and bathing. The latter is known as otitis externa.
Often referred to as swimmer’s ear, the infection is caused by the fungi and bacteria which grow in the warm and moist environment of the external auditory canal.
The typical symptoms of inflammation and infection of the external auditory canal are:
- Itching in the external auditory canal
- Pain and inflammation in and around the ear lobe
- Partial or complete deafness on the affected side
- Discharge of pus in the external auditory canal
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Redness on the outside surface of the ear
The infection can occur due to dirt or water settled in the external auditory canal. Bacteria and fungi start to grow in this conditions thus leading to inflammation. In some cases even the cotton buds used to clean the ears become the source of infection and injury forming an ideal environment for multiplying bacteria.
The treatment of inflammation and infection of external auditory canal includes the use of antibiotics and antifungal medications. In mild cases, the doctor may also recommend the use of few drops of alcohol or acetic acid in the ear canal once or twice per day. This helps in drying the infected area by killing the bacteria. Eating yogurt, fruits and vegetables help in providing good nutrition to the body and increasing immunity.
It is also important to keep the ears clean and dry. Avoid using cotton buds and instead clean the ears with an antibiotic solution or even warm water. Avoid swimming until the infection has completely healed.