Swimmer's ear, also called otitis externa, is an inflammation of the ear canal often caused by bacteria or fungal growth in the moist area of the outer ear. Frequent showering or swimming (especially in polluted water) can make you more prone to swimmer's ear. Additionally, any type of injury to the ear canal that makes it swell can trap extra moisture, giving bacteria and fungus a place to grow. Symptoms include itching, pain, discharge and a feeling of water in the ear. Swimmer's ear requires treatment by a physician. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic or corticosteriod ear drops to clear up and reduce swelling. Once the infection is gone you can use over-the-counter ear-drying agenst or ear-canal acidifiers to keep it from coming back. Ear-drying agents such as Auro-Dri® or Swim-Ear®, typically contain isopropyl alcohol, which evaporates and removes the excess moisture from the ear.

Sources: The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1999.Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000. Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.DiPiro, Pharmacotherapy A Pathophysiologic Approach. Appleton & Lange, 1999.Medline Plus. Medline, 2006.This answer prepared 8/02/2001.This information updated 12/6/2006.