subject: A Short Guide About How To Avoid Swimmer's Ear [print this page] Otitis externa, or "swimmer's ear" is characterized by an infection on the skin of one's ear canal and outer ear. This differs from otitis media, which is an inner ear infection that also comes with congestion, a runny nose, or other symptoms normally associated with a cold. When water becomes lodged in the ear canal following bathing, showering, or swimming, swimmer's ear can occur. When the water is trapped, it damages the skin and provides the right environment for the growth of fungus or bacteria, which can lead to infection.
A swimmer's ear infection is just like any other infection of the skin that you might see from a scrape or other open-skin injury. No one else can catch this kind of infection. To avoid getting swimmer's ear, there are non-prescription ear drops that you can purchase. You can also mix up your own with rubbing alcohol and vinegar. Following swimming, you should put five to ten drops in each ear, before allowing the drops to drain out, allow them to sit in the ear for several minutes.
The fungus or bacteria will be destroyed by the vinegar, and any water laying in the ear, will be evaporated by the alcohol. This procedure is designed to keep your child from succumbing to a swimmer's ear infection, and not meant as a cure if an infection is already present. Prevention of swimmer's ear is also aided by drying one's ears completely after exposure to water, as well as avoiding water that may be polluted. Additionally, don't allow your child to insert anything into their own ears, including cotton swabs.
Difficulty hearing, pain when pressure is applied to the small flap at the opening of the ear, pain when you gently pull up and back on the top of the ear, or pain in the face near the ear may all be indications or symptoms of having swimmer's ear. It's also more likely to be swimmer's ear if the pain is in only one ear.
Watch for any substance coming out of the ear which resembles pus. When symptoms of swimmer's ear are present, you need to see a physician. This is particularly imperative if there is a discharge present. Though rare, swimmer's ear that is left untreated may spread to the cartilage and bone of the ear canal. If you need immediate pain relief, a standard dose of acetaminophen can help, as will holding a warm towel or heating pad to the ear.
Should the infection be advanced and the ear canal be swollen, the doctor will probably give you a prescription for antibiotic-steroid drops. Such steroids ease the suffering and help the irritated skin to get well, while the antibiotic eliminates fungus or bacteria. Your physician might put a wick in the child's ear if there is significant swelling of the ear canal; a wick is a bit of sponge or cotton which helps the drops to penetrate down to the ear canal. The child is not to go swimming or even allow water inside his ear during the treatment, which generally includes taking the drops for around five to ten days.
If you continue to see drainage from the ear, fever, stiff neck, dizziness or ear pain that lasts more than two days, you should call the doctor immediately, and always schedule a follow-up visit with your child's pediatrician when the treatment ends, even if the child seems to be cured.
