Kids laughing and splashing in the pool is a classic summer scene, one we love to see. Playing in the water is the perfect way to have fun and stay cool on the hottest of summer days. It’s also the perfect way to get an ear infection.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
“Swimmer’s ear” is the nickname for otitis externa, or outer ear infection. As the nickname suggests, this condition most often occurs when water gets into the ear, such as after a day at the pool. Water stuck in the ear canal provides a warm, moist environment for bacteria to grow, and can wear down the protective earwax and skin lining the ear canal.
The common symptoms of swimmer’s ear are:
- Itchy ear canal
- Ear pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain
- Redness inside the ear (this may be difficult to see on Black or brown skin)
- Swelling
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Fluid or pus draining from the ear
- Fever
Preventing Swimmer’s Ear
Kids are especially prone to swimmer’s ear, as their ear canals are smaller and more easily blocked. As you prepare your pool bag, here are some precautions you can take that can reduce the chances of you or your kids getting swimmer’s ear.
- Protect ears while swimming. Earplugs or swimming caps will keep water out of your ears.
- Don’t remove earwax with a cotton swab. We strongly urge you to never clean your or your children’s ears with cotton swabs. You may see earwax on the tip of the swab, but ultimately, these tools push earwax deeper into the ear canal, making blockage or a perforated eardrum more likely. Additionally, removing earwax removes some of the lining that could help protect against infection.
- Research where you’re swimming. Don’t swim in dirty water. Swimming in lakes or rivers with a high bacteria count or in pools or hot tubs that aren’t properly maintained can make swimmer’s ear more likely.
- Dry ears thoroughly. Sometimes, the most effective strategy is also the simplest, and that’s the case here. Use a towel to dry the outside of your ears well. Tilt your head side to side to drain water out of the ear canal. If you still feel water trapped inside, try tugging on your earlobe or moving your jaw around to manipulate the shape of the ear canal.
Dealing with Swimmer’s Ear
Despite your best efforts, sometimes swimmer’s ear happens anyway. Unlike a middle ear infection, only mild cases will go away on their own; moderate or severe infections will need medical attention. This is because the immune system doesn’t have direct access to the infected area. But even in mild cases, you may want to seek medical attention anyway, as the pain can be intense.
A doctor can clean the ear thoroughly and safely—without a cotton swab—and prescribe antibiotic or antifungal ear drops. We recommend you seek help sooner rather than later, as the condition gets harder to treat the more severe it is.
If you need help with swimmer’s ear or have any questions on how to prevent it, call Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy today.