SWIMMER’S EAR

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the ear canal.  When the ear canals stay wet constantly, as with swimming, they offer a hospitable medium in which bacteria and/or fungus can grow.  The symptoms of otitis externa are itchy, painful ear canals, pain when the earlobe is moved and slight discharge.

Several measures help prevent infection, mainly by keeping the ear canal as dry as possible.  After swimming, have your child shake excess water out of his/her ears, then dry the ears with a towel or wash cloth.  You can also use one of the over-the-counter ear drops, either “Swim-ear” or “Auro-dri,” which are put in the ears after a session of swimming or the end of the day of swimming.

If your child does develop symptoms, we should examine his/her ears to make a proper diagnosis and prescribe the necessary antibiotic drops, which are usually taken for 5-7 days.  The child should not swim for at least 48-72 hours or until the pain has stopped.  They may shower and bathe normally.



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