Swimmer's ear is an inflammation or infection of the canal between the eardrum and external opening of the ear. Causes of otitis externa include trauma to the canal, bacteria or fungus invasion, and viral or bacterial infections of the middle ear. Risks increase with excessive swimming or immersion in water; exposure to dirty or polluted water; previous ear infections; irritation from items such as cotton swabs and ear plugs; foreign particles such as hair spray or hair dye.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe ear canal pain
• Pain with moving the earlobe
• Itching in the ear
• Fever
• Pus drainage from the ear
• Decreased hearing on the affected side

What your doctor can do:

• Diagnose swimmer's ear by asking your child's symptoms and doing a physical exam
• Order prescription ear drops for the affected ear
• Other medications may include ointments for fungal or bacterial infections, and oral antibiotics in severe cases.

What you can do:

• Prevention includes applying ear drops after swimming (over the counter "Swimmer's Ear" or a half and half peroxide and alcohol solution) to keep the canal clean and dry
• Use prescription ear drops and other medications as ordered
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be taken to relieve pain
• Keep the infected ear as dry as possible and keep the ear canal from moisture or water. Do not submerge the ear in water for 3 weeks after the infection has cleared up.

What you can expect:

• Symptoms should disappear within 7-10 days
• Complications include recurring infections and severe pain.

Contact your doctor if pain persists or increases despite treatment.

Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620