Brief Answer:
Otitis Externa , needs care, easily resolving

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Swimmer's ear is inflammation of the ear canal and is also known by its medical name otitis externa.

You don’t have to be a swimmer to get this painful condition, but it gets it name because it often affects children and young adults who swim a lot or old age people secondary to age related skin changes and hearing aids etc.

Swimmer's ear can cause a discharge from the ear of liquid or pus as well as some temporary loss of hearing.

The condition is very common, affecting around 1 in 10 people at some stage.

As well as swimming, swimmer's ear is often caused by excess moisture from everyday showering.

The moisture can cause the skin inside the ear canal to dry out and flake. A break in the skin, which may be a result of trying to scratch the persistent itch from the dry and flaky skin, can allow bacteria or occasionally a fungus to invade the tissue of the ear canal and trigger an infection.

Swimming in polluted water is a common cause of swimmer's ear. The bacteria in the water find a hospitable home in the moist environment of an inflamed ear canal.

Other skin conditions, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis, can also lead to swimmer's ear. Another common cause is excessive and unnecessary cleaning of wax from the ears.

Not only does wax protect the ear canal from excess moisture, it also harbours friendly bacteria. Removing this protective barrier - particularly with hairpins, fingernails or other objects that can scratch the skin - makes it easier for an infection to take hold.

Hairspray and hair colouring, which can irritate the ear canal, may also lead to an ear canal infection.

Swimmer's ear is not usually a dangerous condition and it often clears up within a few days of starting treatment. In rare cases, especially in people with diabetes, the infection may be more difficult to treat and can spread and damage underlying bones and cartilage.

Your doctor may clean your ear with a cotton-tipped probe or a suction device to relieve irritation and pain if there is a lot of exudate (discharge) in your ear canal. You will probably be given prescription ear-drops containing a corticosteroid to help relieve the itching and an antibiotic to fight the infection - or either one of these ingredients separately.

If the pain is severe, your doctor may suggest paracetamol, ibuprofen or some other pain-relieving medicine. You will also be instructed to keep water out of your infected ear during the healing process. If the infection does not improve within three or four days, your doctor may prescribe a different medicine, such as an oral antibiotic.

Be careful when cleaning your ears. Wipe your outer ear with a clean flannel. Do not dig into the ear canal and never put any object into the ear canal.
Avoid earplugs as these can irritate the ear canal.
Wear a swimming cap or wet suit hood when swimming. Afterwards, tilt and shake your head to drain water from your ears.
Avoid swimming in dirty water.
Use a shower cap to keep your ears dry while showering.
After showering, dry your ears with a hairdryer. Put the hairdryer on a low setting and hold it about a foot from your ear.
You can also dry out your ear and help kill germs after swimming or showering by squirting a drop of acetic acid solution (available from your doctor or pharmacist) into your ear. If you are prone to swimmer’s ear, you can apply these drops or an acetic acid spray before swimming.
If you wear a hearing aid, take it out as often as possible to give your ear a chance to dry out. A hearing aid can trap moisture in the ear canal.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and do as directed. Dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

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