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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffSwimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal. In most cases, bacteria cause this infection in the thin layer of skin lining the canal.
Your ears' protective features work best when they are dry. If your ear canals are exposed to excess moisture — for example, if you swim a lot — they're more likely to become infected. Swimmer's ear is also known as acute external otitis or otitis externa.
Swimmer's ear is usually easily treated. Prompt treatment of swimmer's ear can help prevent the development of more-serious complications and infections.
- Osguthorpe JD, et al. Otitis externa: Review and clinical update. American Family Physician. 2006;74(9):1510-1516.
- Ruckenstein M. Infections of the external ear. In: Cummings C, et al., eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier/Mosely; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/102996601-2/0/1263/1195.html?tocnode=49546210&fromURL=1195.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01985-4..X5001-1--part11_5058. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Grunstein E, et al. Diseases of the external ear. In: Lalwani A, ed. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2829939. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
- Goguen L. External otitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 25, 2008.
