Otitis in summer: how not to ruin your holidays

It is thought that earaches suffer only in winter; In reality, there is a form of otitis, the external one, typical of the summer season.

It is in fact also called “swimmer’s otitis”, as it is mainly favored by frequent swimming in the sea and in the pool; The infection in this case develops at the level of the external ear canal, unlike otitis media, typical of the cold season and often associated with a strong cold, which affects the innermost part of the ear.

What are the causes

Bacteria are the germs that are most frequently involved in infections of the outer ear, caused above all by the stagnation of sea water or swimming pool: staying “soaking” too long or taking baths too close, or not drying the ears well once out of the water, are the behaviors that contribute most to creating a humid environment inside the ear canal; This favors the maceration of the skin that covers it, and therefore the proliferation of bacteria.

In the case of the pool, to worsen the situation is the irritating action of chlorine, while in the sea the presence of any pollutants or high concentrations of plankton.

Even excessive cleaning, however, can contribute to the development of external otitis: on the one hand the frequent showers with shampoos or detergents containing substances that, in the long run, can be irritating; on the other hand, the use, often too energetic, of cotton buds, which can cause microabrasions in the ear canal, as well as completely eliminating earwax, used by the body as a barrier to protect the ear from the attack of microorganisms.

How to recognize it

The first sign of otitis externa is usually an annoying itching, which can precede even a few days the appearance of a strong pain, which is exacerbated by touching or moving the auricle, or even chewing.

This is a typical symptom of this form of otitis, precisely because the inflammation affects the outer part of the ear.

Pain can also be associated with fever, a swelling of the ear canal (which can cause a temporary lowering of hearing) and the presence of yellowish secretions within it.

How to avoid it

There are small tricks to avoid this form of otitis, which can really ruin the long-awaited summer holidays: as mentioned, first of all it is better to avoid too long or too close baths, and remember to dry your ear as soon as you get out of the water with a towel or a clean handkerchief.

It is also possible to use drops of boric water to disinfect the ear canal, for example after immersion in seas rich in plankton; The microorganisms of which it is composed tend to die once they enter the ear, releasing toxins that promote infections.

Finally, cotton buds are banned, used to calm itching or for an excess of hygiene, but with their abrasive action and elimination of earwax can only worsen the situation.

How to cure yourself

In most cases, otitis externa is caused by a bacterial infection, for which antibiotic therapy is necessary, to be administered preferably with drops to be applied locally, and not by mouth, unless it is deemed necessary, for example if the infection has spread outside the ear canal.

In addition, to relieve the pain, your doctor may prescribe a painkiller or anti-inflammatory. If the infection is caused by fungi (whose typical symptom is a strong itching) it will be necessary to resort instead to antifungal drugs, always in the form of drops.

Within a few days from the start of therapy you will notice the first benefits but, especially in the case of antibiotic drugs, it is important to continue treatment as indicated by the doctor, who will also evaluate the need to abstain or not from bathing for a few days.