What causes acute external otitis?
Disease description:
My ear has been painful and itchy since I came back from swimming—this is when the symptoms started. The doctor said it's acute external otitis. What causes acute external otitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Xu Gang
Acute external otitis is caused by factors such as decreased skin resistance and local injury. The skin of the external auditory canal and secretions from its associated glands provide effective protection for the ear canal. Changes in temperature or humidity can affect these secretory glands, reducing the ear canal's resistance and promoting bacterial growth. It may also result from localized inflammation within the external auditory canal.
