What is an "outer" ear infection? What causes it?

Question

A neibhor told me that her 7 year old was diagnosed with an outer ear infection. I have never heard of this. My kids have had their share of regular ear infections - whats the difference. I understand how inner ears get infected, fluid builds, etc. etc.

Answer 1

Otitis externa (also known as outer ear infection or swimmer's ear) is a painful, sometimes itchy infection of the outer ear canal.

What causes otitis externa?

Otitis externa is caused by bacteria or fungi that invade the ear under unusually moist or wet conditions. As a result, frequent swimming will increase your chance of infection. Exposure to water moistens the skin in the ear canal and provides the ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. This is why otitis externa is often called 'swimmer's ear'.
Sometimes there may be no reason why the infection has started, however, other possible reasons for infections include:

Getting water in your ears when showering or bathing.
Irritation due to the use of cotton buds and/or ear plugs.
A habit of picking and fiddling with the ears.
Skin allergies such as eczema.
Hair spray or hair colour that gets into the ear canal.
What are the symptoms of otitis externa?

Symptoms of otitis externa may include any of the following:

Itchiness in the ear.
Discharge from the ear.
Pain in the ear made worse by movement of the ear lobe or moving the jaw.
Temporary reduced hearing.
Slight fever.
Inflammation in the ear.
What can be done to avoid otitis externa?

It is sometimes hard to avoid an ear infection, but you can reduce your risk of infection by avoiding cleaning your ears with cotton buds and by trying to prevent getting excess water in your ears when swimming or taking a shower.

How is otitis externa diagnosed?

A doctor will normally be able to diagnose otitis externa by inspecting the ear canal. If an infection is present the ear canal will be red and there will be swelling of the ear lining, usually in the form of flaking skin. There may also be a foul smelling discharge.

Howis otitis externa treated?

If you do have an infection in your outer ear, the treatment is with either ear-drops (containing antibiotics) and/or a course of oral antibiotics. If the pain is very uncomfortable you may be advised to take painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs. If the ear canal needs more attention, then treatment could include a thorough cleaning of the ear by your doctor or an ear specialist.

Contact your doctor if:

You suspect your baby has earache.
Any discharge is flowing out of your child's ear.
There are any hearing problems.
A skin rash develops.
A fever develops.

Answer 2

I have heard that too and I'm not completely sure. I do take no chances and I covered my daughter's ears every time we were out in the wind, but she has been out in the wind without ear coverings and did not get an ear infection. I'd venture to say that it could be false, but don't take a chance just to be safe. What does cause an ear infection is fluid building up in the ear canal, laying a baby flat on his/her back to drink their bottle, and even having a runny nose/sinus infection that backs up in the ear canals.

Answer 3

Otitis Externa or outer ear infection is an infection from the ear drum out to the lobe of the ear. This is treated with drops instead of pills (its difficult for pills to reach that). Its caused by bacteria and viruses aquired by swimming, dirt, a nasty finger, pretty much anything.

Answer 4

The infection hasn't gone to the inner ear, most ear infections are because of the ustation tubes not allowing the fluid to drain.

Answer 5

An outer ear infection is on the outside of the ear drum.

Answer 6

i have one at the moment!! although i think it has turned into otitis media..
well anyway an outer ear infection is normally "swimmers ear" or a buildup of wax, things that normally happen in the outer ear. but inner or middle ear infections are more serious, like aching/pain and inflammation.