Outer ear infections, also known as otitis externa or swimmer’s ear, are common conditions that can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience. Dr. Arindam Das, renowned as the best ENT doctor in Kolkata, shares his expertise on this subject to help you understand and manage this condition effectively.
Causes and Symptoms: Outer ear infections occur when the ear canal becomes infected due to bacteria or fungi. Common causes include excessive moisture from swimming or bathing, ear trauma from aggressive cleaning, or skin conditions like eczema. Symptoms typically include itching, redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes discharge from the ear.
Diagnosis and Treatment: According to Dr. Das, diagnosing an outer ear infection involves a physical examination of the ear. Treatment usually includes cleaning the ear canal and prescribing topical antibiotics or antifungal medications. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary. Pain relief can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Prevention Tips: Dr. Das emphasizes the importance of keeping the ears dry and avoiding inserting objects into the ear canal. Using earplugs while swimming and carefully drying the ears after exposure to water can help prevent infections. It’s also crucial to manage underlying skin conditions that can contribute to infections.