Ear pain that worsens when the earlobe is pulled or pressed. Itching in the ear. Risk Factors 1. Swimming dirty, polluted water. Excessive swimming in chlorinated pools.
Chlorinated water dries out the ear canal, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter the skin.
Immersing ears in hot tub with infected water. Excess moisture from any cause. Previous ear infections. Diabetes mellitus or other disorders that predispose to infection. Use of hair spray or hair dye that may enter the ear canal.