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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Swimmer's ear symptoms are usually mild at the onset of swimmer's ear, but they may get worse if the infection isn't treated or spreads.
First signs and symptoms
- Itching in ear canal
- Slight redness of skin in ear canal
- Mild discomfort
- Some drainage of odorless fluid
Moderate disease progression
- Redness of skin
- Excessive fluid drainage
- Discharge of pus
- Pain that worsens on moving your outer ear (pinna, or auricle) or pushing on the little "bump" (tragus) in front of your ear
- Feeling of fullness in your ear
- Decreased or muffled hearing
Severe disease progression
- Severe pain
- Swelling in your ear or lymph nodes in your neck
- Redness or swelling of outer ear
- Scaly or flaking skin of outer ear
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you're experiencing any signs or symptoms of swimmer's ear, even if they are mild. If you're experiencing severe pain or have a fever, call your doctor right away or visit the emergency room.
- 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.
