Known medically as otitis externa, swimmer’s ear is an infection of the external ear canal between the earhole and eardrum. It’s painful, can be itchy and cause temporary hearing loss. ‘It’s five times more common in regular swimmers,’ says Dr Adam Simon, from online GP service Push Doctor (pushdoctor.co.uk). ‘Hence the term swimmer’s ear. The infection can be bacterial or fungal – and those with eczema or psoriasis are more prone.’ Holiday swimmers are susceptible, too, especially in pools that might not adhere to strict hygiene codes. ‘Causes include regularly getting water in your ear, which can cause damage, either by being forced in and out fast during swimming, or as a result of bugs in the water that remain in the ear. Another cause is “trauma”, such as using cotton buds or fingernails in your ears (never do either) – anything that damages the soft skin lining of the ear canal,’ says Dr Simon.
The best treatment is prevention. ‘Avoid getting water in your ears when in the shower or bath,’ advises Dr Simon. ‘If you’re prone to swimmer’s ear, coat a small bit of cotton wool in petroleum jelly and put in your ears when showering.’ Moulded earplugs are good for swimmers, as are swimming caps that cover the ears. Eardrops, creams or sprays are used to treat the condition. In the UK these require a prescription, but can be obtained over the counter in some countries. ‘Sprays are my treatment of choice,’ says Dr Simon. ‘These contain antibiotics to address bacterial infection, steroids to reduce inflammation and acetic acid to prevent fungal infections.’ However, Dr Simon cautions against eardrops of any kind if the discharge is not the classic watery kind. ‘If it’s mucky, the eardrum may have burst, and drops can be toxic. Seek medical advice immediately.’