Overview
Swimmer's ear is a bacterial infection typically caused by water lingering in the outer ear canal. This moisture breaks down protective earwax and skin, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. While anyone can get swimmer's ear, it is most common in children.
Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear
Mild Form:
- Itchiness or a plugged feeling in the ear.
- Children may rub or stick their fingers in their ears.
- Within a few hours or days, the ear canal opening may become swollen and slightly red.
- Dull pain, especially when pushing on the opening or pulling up on the ear.
Severe Form:
- Constant and intense pain.
- Children may cry and hold their hand over their ear.
- Pain with slightest motion, even chewing.
- Ear canal opening may be swollen shut.
- Pus or cheesy material may ooze out.
- Low-grade fever (rarely more than one or two degrees above normal).
Most Serious Infections:
- Redness and swelling spreading beyond the ear canal to the entire outer ear.
Prevention Tips
- Keep ears dry: Use a bathing cap, ear plugs or custom-fitted swim molds when swimming.
- Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or showering:
o Tilt your head back and forth to let each ear face down, allowing water to drain out.
o Use a towel to dry your ears well.
o Pull your earlobe in different directions to help water drain out.
o If water remains, use a hair dryer on the lowest heat and speed setting, holding it several inches from your ear.
- Consider ear-drying drops: Check with your healthcare provider about using ear-drying drops after swimming. Don’t use these drops if you have ear tubes, punctured ear drums, swimmer's ear or ear drainage.
- Don't remove ear wax: ear wax helps protect the ear canal from infection.
Treatment
If you experience ear pain or drainage, consult your healthcare provider. Swimmer's ear can be effectively treated, in most cases, with antibiotic ear drops.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy swimming without the discomfort of swimmer's ear. Dive in and keep your ears healthy!
Information provided by Tina Elkins, MD, otolaryngologist at the UT Health East Texas ENT Center in Athens. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 903-676-3316 or visit UT Health East Texas ENT Services.