Otitis externa in the summer – how can we protect our ears?
Otitis externa in the summer – how can we protect our ears?
Summer brings with it the beach, swimming pools, sunshine, and long days spent outdoors. But along with all the fun, it’s also the season when cases of otitis externa—a painful inflammation of the outer ear—become significantly more common.
What is otitis externa?
Otitis externa is an inflammation or infection of the outer ear that can affect:
- the ear canal,
- the auricle,
- or both at the same time.
The most common causes are bacteria and fungi, but mechanical or chemical irritants can also lead to inflammation
Who is at higher risk?
The risk of developing otitis externa is higher in:
- young children and the elderly,
- patients with diabetes,
- people with weakened immune systems,
- patients with chronic skin conditions.
A significant risk factor is mechanical injury to the skin in the ear—most often resulting from:
- improper cleaning with cotton swabs,
- frequent “picking” in the ear,
- aggressive cleaning after water exposure.
Types of Otitis Externa
Otitis externa can present in various forms:
- Acute diffuse otitis externa – affects the entire skin of the ear canal
- Acute localized otitis externa – a so-called boil or abscess in the ear
- Chronic otitis externa
- Eczema of the outer ear
- Necrotizing otitis externa
- Otomycosis (fungal infection)
Dr. Nadia Serbezova, ENT
What is “swimmer’s ear” or “swimmer’s otitis media”?
One of the most common summer conditions is what is known as “swimmer’s ear.”
It develops after:
- swimming in contaminated pools,
- the ocean,
- reservoirs,
- or while practicing water sports and diving.
When the skin in the ear canal has microtraumas, the water that enters facilitates the penetration of bacteria and the development of an infection.
Most common symptoms
Symptoms can vary in severity, but most commonly include:
- ear pain,
- a feeling of fullness and pressure,
- decreased hearing,
- itching,
- discharge from the ear,
- redness and swelling of the ear canal.
In more severe cases:
- the ear canal may close completely,
- the pain becomes severe and throbbing,
- there may be a rise in temperature,
- The lymph nodes around the ear are swollen.
Usually, only one ear is affected, but it is possible for both ears to become inflamed.
When should you see an ENT specialist?
Many patients try to treat the condition themselves or clean their ears repeatedly, which often makes the condition worse.
If you have symptoms of otitis externa, it is important to:
- to be examined by an ENT specialist,
- to make an accurate diagnosis,
- If necessary, additional tests should be ordered.
Treatment usually lasts about two weeks and requires consistency and proper therapy.
Special attention should be given to patients with diabetes and severe infections, as delayed treatment can lead to serious complications.
How can we protect our ears in the summer?
Prevention is the best cure.
It is recommended that:
- avoid aggressive ear cleaning,
- be sure to dry your ears thoroughly after bathing,
- Do not insert cotton swabs deep into the ear canal,
- If you have frequent symptoms, you should have a preventive ENT exam before your beach vacation.
During the preventive checkup, patients receive personalized recommendations for ear care, and any existing issues are treated before the summer vacation, if necessary.
Don't underestimate the symptoms
If you experience pain, a feeling of fullness, or discomfort in your ear during the summer, don’t delay in seeing a specialist. Timely treatment helps ensure a quick recovery and prevents complications, so you can enjoy the summer with peace of mind.
