Swimmers Ear

Otitis Externa

SWIMMERS EAR is caused when water repeatedly gets trapped in the ear canal; the lining becomes set and swollen. This makes it prone to superficial infection (swimmer's ear). Ear canals were meant to be dry.

SYMPTOMS:

  • An infection of the skin that lines the ear canal.
  • Itchy and somewhat painful ear canal.
  • Currently engaged in swimming.
  • Discomfort when the ear is moved up and down.
  • The ear feels plugged.
  • Discharge is slight in amount and clear.
  • Pain at the TMJ (temperomandibular joint)with chewing.

CALL IMMEDIATELY IF …

  • Your child looks or acts very sick.
  • Severe pain.
  • Fever.
  • Redness and swelling of outer ear.

CALL WITHIN 24 HOURS IF …

  • You think your child needs to be seen.
  • Constant ear pain. 
  • Yellow discharge from ear canal.
  • Blocked ear canal.
  • Swollen lymph node near ear.
  • Cause is uncertain.

PARENT CARE AT HOME:

  • White Vinegar Rinses: Rinse the ear canals twice a day with white vinegar. Fill the ear canal. After five (5) minutes, remove it by turning the head to the side and moving the ear. (Exception: ear tubes or hole in eardrum) This restores the normal acid pH of the ear canal and reduces swelling.
  • Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
  • Local Heat: If pain is moderate to severe, apply a heating pad (set on low) or hot water bottle to outer ear for twenty (20) minutes (Caution: Avoid burns.) This will increase drainage.
  • Reduce Swimming Times: Try to avoid swimming until symptoms are gone. If on a swim team, it is OK to continue. Swimming may slow recovery, but causes no serious harm.
  • Contagiousness: Swimmers ear is not contagious.
  • Expected Course: with treatment, symptoms should be better in three days.

PREVENTION AND RECURRENCES:

  • Try to keep the ear canals dry.
  • After showers, hair washing, and swimming help the water run out by turning the head.
  • Avoid cotton swabs (reason: packs in ear wax).
  • If swimmers ear is a repeated problem, rinse the ear canals after swimming with a white vinegar-rubbing alcohol solution (equal parts of each).
  • If symptoms last for more than three (3) days after treatment, call your doctor.

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