A study says that oral antibiotics are often ineffective for the pain caused by "Swimmer's ear," and should not be used unless the infection extends beyond the ear canal.

Dr.Richard Rosenfeld of State University of New York Downstate Medical Center and Long Island College Hospital says, "The problem is, there tends to be a reflex grasp for oral medication when someone comes in with ear pain."

The infection which can be severely painful, is caused when water gets trapped in ear during swimming and bacteria begins to breed within the cavity.

The condition should be treated with the use of topical antiseptic and antibiotic drops, says the study.