Also known as Swimmer's Ear. Swimmer's ear (External otitis) is a condition of persistent irritation and inflammation of the external ear canal. An infection may also be present. Layered peeling of the skin (eczema) may develop in the canal. When scratching eczema, the skin cracks and bacteria and fungi invade the ear canal. Swimming in dirty water is one way to contract this disease. When attempts are made to clear ear mucus from the canal, the skin becomes irritated, itchy or torn. This causes that person to further confuse his ear with his favorite "tool" (clasp, etc.). There is another risk. There is also the possibility of perforating the eardrum. Hair sprays and hair dyes can also irritate the ear canal. External otitis swimmer's ear is sometimes caused by a fungus. Furonculosis is a condition in which boils appear repeatedly and begins when a hair sac in the ear canal becomes infected. This disorder recurs frequently. External otitis (swimmer's ear) is seen in young adults.
Symptoms:
Feeling of fullness in the ear, itching, swelling in the external ear canal, sometimes yellow discharge, severe ear pain, the cartilage is resistant to touch. There may be extreme sensitivity and enlargement of the glands in the neck. If inflammation or tissue swelling blocks the ear canal, there may be a decrease in hearing. If you find that you have these symptoms, consult your doctor.
Avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears, as they push earwax deeper and can also irritate the ear canal and cause bleeding. As a result, external ear canal inflammation may occur. The use of this type of sticks in the ear canal is prohibited by many countries
External otitis media can often be prevented. Do not swim in dirty water. Dry your ears after bathing and swimming. Swimmer's ear develops more easily in ears that are itchy, flaky, and clogged with earwax. For this reason, these people should use alcohol drops more strictly as recommended when water gets into the ear. It may also be beneficial to have the ears cleaned every year before the swimming season. Although most external ear canal infections cause discomfort, they are generally not dangerous when treated appropriately. If this infection is not treated, especially in diabetic patients, it can damage the surrounding bones and It can spread to cartilage and damage it.
Why do ears itch?
Itchy ears are quite disturbing. While sometimes the cause may be fungi or allergies, it is more often due to chronic dermatitis (skin inflammation) of the external ear canal. One type of this is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition similar to dandruff; Ear secretion, which is normally light brown and has protective properties, is dried, flaky and abundant. Patients should avoid fatty foods, sugar and starches, carbohydrates and chocolates, which aggravate this condition. Doctors generally prefer cortisone ear drops before going to bed during itchy periods as a treatment. Additionally, in these cases, it is very effective to place a piece of cotton impregnated with cologne into the entrance of the external ear canal. Although it is not possible to cure the disease in the long term, it is possible to control it.
About flies and other insects;
Many insect species can enter the ear. Flies get stuck in the earwax and cannot fly out again. Larger insects cannot turn around or climb backwards. They may start thrashing around, which can cause pain and frightening. It is possible to expel the insects by injecting warm water into the ear canal with a syringe (it should not be forgotten to dry the ear by dropping alcohol afterwards). To remove larger insects, mineral oil is first dropped into the ear, preventing the insect from breathing and causing it to die. This takes about 5-10 minutes. Removing the insect should be done by a doctor. In some cases, even a tick can be observed in the external ear canal.
About foreign objects
Beads, pencil tips, erasers, plastic toy parts and nuts are objects that are frequently inserted into the ear by children. Since the Ear Nose and Throat specialist must use special tools under a microscope to remove them, it is recommended that you go to your doctor immediately. It should not be forgotten that these objects may damage the outer and middle ear and eardrum in case of delay.
Read: 0