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Infection of the ear canal (external otitis) is usually caused by bacteria or fungi and is characterised by severe earache.
Infection of the ear canal (external otitis) is usually caused by bacteria or fungi and is characterised by severe earache. Sometimes it is caused by germs in the swimming pool (thus the name 'swimmer’s ear'). To prevent infection, ears should not be cleaned with cotton buds.
Small breaks in the delicate skin of the ear canal (e.g. through using cotton buds to clean the ear) can allow bacteria and other germs such as fungi to enter, thus causing infection. Infection can also be caused by germs in swimming pools (thus the name 'swimmer's ear'). Diabetes patients and people with weakened immune systems can develop acute infection (malignant external otitis). In this case, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone and nerves.
External otitis can be diagnosed by careful external examination of the ear by a family doctor or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
The infection can sometimes last for a long time, but usually heals without complications.
otitis externa, swimmer’s ear, external otitis
CSS offers no guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information. The information published is no substitute for professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist.