ear infection, external

ear infection, external Infection of the skin covering the outer ear canal that leads in to the ear drum, usually due to bacteria such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, or pseudomonas. External ear infection is usually caused by excessive water exposure. When water pools in the ear canal (frequently trapped by wax), the skin will become soggy and serve as an inviting culture media for bacteria. The first sign of an external ear infection is a feeling of fullness and itching in the ear. Next the ear canal swells, and drainage and pain follow. With severe infection, the ear canal can swell completely shut and the side of the face can become swollen. Moisture and irritation will prolong the course of swimmer’s ear. For this reason, the ear should be kept dry. Scratching the inside of the ear or using Qtips should be avoided. A hearing aid should be left out. Also known as otitis externa and swimmer’s ear.