Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is an inflammation, irritation, or infection of the external ear canal. Swimmer's ear is caused by fungi or bacteria. Water that remains trapped in the ear canal (when swimming, for example) may provide a source for the growth of bacteria and fungi.
What is the main cause of otitis externa?
The most common cause of otitis externa is a bacterial infection, although fungal overgrowth is a principal cause in 10 percent of cases. 4 Otitis externa can also result from any of a broad range of noninfectious dermatologic processes.
How do you get otitis externa?
What conditions cause swimmer's ear (otitis externa)?
- Water that gets trapped in the ear canal, for example from swimming or showering often.
- Loss of ear wax – a natural protectant – due to too much water entering the ear canal or removing too much wax when cleaning ears.
