Otitis externa is a condition that affects more than 1% of the population in the UK every year. It causes inflammation (swelling) of the external ear canal, which is the tube between the outer ear and the ear drum (known as the tympanic membrane). Anyone can get otitis externa, but it is slightly more common in women than in men.
Otitis externa is sometimes called "swimmer's ear" or "tropical ear" because it can be caused by getting water inside the ear canal, and it is often more common in humid conditions. Otitis externa can also be caused by an infection or by an allergic reaction to something that comes into contact with the external ear canal. However, in many cases, the cause remains unknown.
Otitis externa can be easily treated with ear drops and analgesics (painkillers). In rare cases, however, there can be complications. There are a number of simple steps that may prevent otitis externa from recurring.
