The most common cause of outer ear inflammation is an infection caused by bacteria, or less often, fungus. Your risk of getting an infection is increased if:
- Your ears are often wet. Dampness creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow and make your ears more prone to infection.
- Skin damage. This could be from scratching, cleaning with cotton buds, or using ear buds, in-ear headphones or a hearing aid.
- Use of chemicals. These are found in products such as shampoo, conditioners, hair spray and hair dye that can irritate your ears, making them more prone to infection.
- Skin or allergic conditions. Such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, acne, asthma or hay fever.
- Narrow ear canals. This stops water draining away easily.
- A health condition that affects your ability to fight infection. For example, diabetes or HIV or if you are undergoing certain treatments, such as chemotherapy.
- Infection of a hair follicle in your ear canal. This can cause a pimple or boil.
- Discharge from middle ear infections. Sometimes infections of the inner ear can produce a pussy discharge that gets stuck in the ear canal and this can cause an outer ear infection.
Dr Sarah Jarvis tells us about the main symptoms being earache and feeling unwell.
Video: Sarah Says: What causes an Ear Infection?
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(Patient UK, 2012)