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swimmer's ear (tropical ear)
Etiology:
1) risk factors
a) exposure to water: swimming, showering ...
a) high humidity
b) warm temperature
c) maceration of the skin
2) pathogens
a) bacteria (98%)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20-60%)
- Staphylococcus aureus (10-70%)
- gram negative bacteria
- polymicrobial
b) Fungus
- chronic otitis externa
- treatment with systemic antibiotics
Epidemiology:
1) annual incidence 05-1%
2) children > adults
Pathology:
1) diffuse inflammation of the external auditory canal, following a break in the skin
2) the pinna or tympanic membrane may also be involved
Clinical manifestations:
1) unilateral in 90%
2) itching, fullness or severe ear pain
3) hearing loss &/or jaw pain may occur
4) tenderness of the pinna &/or tragus, or bothhttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2805359https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2805359
5) ear canal edema &/or erythema
6) discharge from ear may be observed
Management:
1) Acetasol otic
2) Cortisporin otic
3) Cipro HC, Ciprodex, Floxin otic
4) prevention:
a) Auro-Dri, Swim-Ear
- use after swimming to help dry out the ear
b) ear plugs while swimming
Similasan Earache Relief unlikely helpful or harmful
Related
earache; otalgia
General
otitis externa
References
- Prescriber's Letter 13(5): 2006
Drug Treatments for Swimmer's Ear
Detail-Document#: 220611
(subscription needed) http://www.prescribersletter.com