swimmer's ear (tropical ear)

Etiology

• risk factors
  • exposure to water: swimming, showering ...
  • high humidity
  • warm temperature
  • maceration of the skin
• pathogens
  • bacteria (98%)
    • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20-60%)
    • Staphylococcus aureus (10-70%)
    • gram negative bacteria
    • polymicrobial
  • Fungus
    • chronic otitis externa
    • treatment with systemic antibiotics

Epidemiology

• annual incidence 05-1%
• children > adults

Pathology

• diffuse inflammation of the external auditory canal, following a break in the skin
• the pinna or tympanic membrane may also be involved

Clinical manifestations

• unilateral in 90%
• itching, fullness or severe ear pain
• hearing loss &/or jaw pain may occur
• tenderness of the pinna &/or tragus, or bothhttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2805359https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2805359
• ear canal edema &/or erythema
• discharge from ear may be observed

Management

• Acetasol otic
• Cortisporin otic
• Cipro HC, Ciprodex, Floxin otic
• prevention:
  • Auro-Dri, Swim-Ear
    • use after swimming to help dry out the ear
  • ear plugs while swimming

Similasan Earache Relief unlikely helpful or harmful

More general terms

• otitis externa

Additional terms

• earache; otalgia

Patient information

swimmer's ear patient information