The summer heat is upon us and many people are flocking to local pools, or visiting lakes or oceans for vacation. This can lead to lots of fun swimming, and sometimes ear pain. Read on to learn more about what it is, how to treat it, and the variety of ways to prevent it.
What is Swimmer’s Ear?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is most common in children. It is important to note that if your ear is bothering you while swimming. It is most likely not swimmer’s ear, but still should be checked if it continues to bother you after swimming.
Symptoms of swimmer’s ear usually appear within a few days of swimming and include:
- Itchiness inside the ear.
Redness and swelling of the ear.
• Pain when the infected ear is tugged or when pressure is placed on the ear.
• Pus draining from the infected ear.
How to prevent or reduce the chances of getting it again
- Keep the ears as dry as possible.
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- Use a bathing cap, earplugs, or custom-fitted swim molds when swimming.
- Dry the ears thoroughly after swimming or showering.
- Use a towel to dry your ears well.
- Tilt the head to hold each ear facing down to allow water to escape the
ear canal. - Pull the earlobe in different directions while the ear is faced down to help
water drain out. - Do not put objects in the ear canal (including cotton-tip swabs, pencils, paperclips,
or fingers). - Do not try to remove ear wax. Ear wax helps protect your ear canal from infection.
- Consult a healthcare provider about using ear drops after swimming.
If you own the pool or hot tube make sure to use pool test strips to check for adequate disinfectant and pH levels.
Connect with local professionals who care. Reach out to Trinity Health Systems Twin City today to learn more about services designed to keep you and your family healthy! Phone: (740) 922-2800