Although not immediately dangerous, the disease can cause pain, discomfort, affect daily life and even recur many times if not prevented properly.
According to BS.CKII Le Ngoc Chau, Ngu Quan Clinic, University Medical Center Hospital HCMC - Branch 3, perioditis occurs when the ear canal is attacked by bacteria or fungi. The disease can occur at all ages, but is more common in people who regularly swim, children or people living in hot and humid environments. Small lesions such as ear picking, scratching or improper ear cleaning also create conditions for microorganisms to enter.
Initial symptoms are usually quite mild such as itching in the ears, feeling full of ears or dull pain. However, if not treated properly, the disease can progress severely with manifestations of severe pain, swollen and red ear canals, discharge, hearing loss, and even spreading to the surrounding skin.
One of the reasons why peripheral otitis is prone to recurrence is the humid environment. Leaving water stagnate in the ear after showering or swimming creates favorable conditions for bacteria and fungi to grow. In addition, the habit of using cotton swabs or sharp objects to wipe the ear also scratches the thin skin in the ear canal, breaking the natural protective barrier.
Experts also note that earwax is not a "dirt" that needs to be completely removed. This is a natural protective layer that helps prevent bacteria and dirt from entering. Excessive ear cleaning can make the ear canal more sensitive and more susceptible to inflammation.
To prevent otitis externa, people should keep their ears dry after showering or swimming, limit bringing foreign objects into their ears and clean their headphones regularly. When swimming, you should use specialized earplugs, and avoid swimming in unhygienic water sources.
In addition, if signs such as gradually increasing ear pain, discharge, hearing loss or fever appear, patients need to see a doctor early. Self-purchasing ear drops can make the condition worse.
Experts recommend that taking care of the ears properly with simple daily habits will help prevent external otitis externa effectively, limit recurrence and protect hearing health for a long time.
