Don’t Let Swimmer’s Ear Ruin Your Summer Fun

If you’ve been at the lake or pool recently and your kiddo starts to complain of ear pain, there’s a good chance Swimmer’s Ear is the cause. This painful outer ear infection is common during summer months.

A home exam can help you decide if you need to visit the doctor now or wait and watch your child’s symptoms for a day or two.

Swimmer’s ear often needs antibiotics as it won’t clear on its own. And a child with swimmer’s ear should continue to stay out of lakes and pools until it’s gone, otherwise a bigger infection can occur.

Keep reading to see how you can do a home exam and then determine when it’s time to call the doctor.

What is Swimmer's Ear?

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection that occurs in the outer parts of the ear, including the ear canal. It happens when water and moisture get 'stuck' in the ear canal. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and cause infection.

Swimmer’s ear is common during the summer, but you don't have to go swimming to get this infection. Common causes include:

• Swimming
• Bathing - showers or baths
  
• Scratches or cuts in the ear canal
  
• Cleaning the ear canal with cotton swabs
  

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Swimmer’s ear symptoms usually happen in one ear, but it's also possible for the infection to develop in both ears. 

Check out Deebo’s Instagram post: 3 ways to spot Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear symptoms often include:

• Pain
• Itchiness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Drainage
• Difficulty Hearing
  

Swimmer's ear symptoms usually do NOT include: 

• Fever
• Congestion
• Cold-like symptoms
  
• Sore throat
  

Try Using a Home Otoscope

A home otoscope is a powerful tool for your home medicine cabinet. Often, the affected ear is so tender that your child may resist letting you touch, move, or look into that ear. That’s okay -  use the otoscope’s light and magnifying viewfinder to get a good look from a few inches away.

What you may see: The ear canal will likely look red and swollen. If you see any drainage, the consistency can vary. It may be clear and watery to yellow-green and thick.

A painful ear with recent swimming history is a good bet that the diagnosis will be Swimmer's Ear. If your child is experiencing ear pain or drainage, it’s time for a visit to your healthcare provider. They can make an appropriate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Picture: Mom using a Deebo® Otoscope to Check for Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s Ear Treatment

• Antibiotic ear drops are the most common treatment for Swimmer’s Ear. Your healthcare provider may prescribe other ear drops that help control the swelling and pain.
• You can give acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin) at age and weight-appropriate doses. Warm compresses may also provide comfort.
• Regular showers and bathing are fine. However, your child must avoid putting their head underwater for 7-10 days. Pools, lakes, and the ocean should be avoided.

Swimmer’s Ear Prevention

You can reduce your chances of getting Swimmer's Ear with a few simple tricks.

• Wear earplugs or a swimming cap while swimming.
• Dry your ears after swimming or bathing. Gently pat ears dry with a towel, or use a hair dryer on low heat and several inches away from the ear.
• Use ear drops made to help reduce moisture. Debrox Swimmer's Ear or 'Drying Aids' are available for purchase. You can also make your own by mixing 1 part white vinegar with 1 part rubbing alcohol. Pour a teaspoon into the ear canal, then let it drain back out.
  Note: Don't use any drops without doctor’s approval if your child has ear tubes or a hole in their ear drum.
• Don't stick anything into your ears. Cotton swabs, bobby pins, or other items can create cuts that may lead to infection.

Don’t let Swimmer’s Ear ruin your summer fun. Gently dry your child’s ears after swimming or bathing to prevent the pain and misery of this infection. No one likes being told they have to avoid the pool for 7-10 days during the summer! 

Author: Joleen Sams, BN, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner

Resources
CDC.  Preventing Swimmer's Ear
Mayo Clinic. Swimmer’s Ear