Otitis externa
Otitis externa, often called swimmer's ear, is a painful infection of the outer ear canal that connects your eardrum to the outside world.
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Otitis externa is an infection, inflammation, or irritation of the ear canal, which is the small tube that runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. Because this area is warm and dark, it can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria or fungus if moisture gets trapped inside.
It is most commonly known as swimmer's ear because getting water in the ear while swimming is a frequent trigger. However, anything that scratches the delicate skin of the ear canal or traps water there can lead to this uncomfortable condition.
Common Symptoms
- Itching inside the ear canal.
- Redness and swelling of the outer ear.
- Pain when you pull on your earlobe or push on the small bump in front of your ear.
- Drainage of clear, odorless fluid or pus from the ear.
- A feeling of fullness or muffled hearing in the affected ear.