Swimmer's Ear and Prevention Tips

During the summer we are frequently called about the most common health problem related to swimming: Swimmer's Ear.  Swimmer's Ear or Otitis Externa is a condition in which the ear canl becomes infected.  It is very painful.  Treatment requires antibiotic drops with anti-inflammatory steroids to placed in the ear canal and of course not swimming til healed.  Fever is rare with Swimmer's Ear.  The presenting symptom is usually pain to touch of the external ear.

Swimmer's Ear develops from prolonged contact of pool water or lake/ocean water inside the ear canal.  The water causes the skin to become edematous and the pool chemicals cause inflammation and lastly skin bacteria get into the wet, inflammed skin and infection begins.

Prevention of Swimmer's Ear is best accomplished by making sure the ear canal is dry after finished swimming.  Over the counter products such as Dri-Ear drops use Rubbing Alcohol to accomplish this.  I generally recommend the use of a easy to prepare home remedy for prevention.  Mix equal parts of Hydrogen Peroxide, Rubbing Alcohol and White Vinegar and after finished swimming place 4 to 5 drops in each ear canal.  The alcohol dries the skin, the hydrogen peroxide kills germs and the vinegar decreases inflammation.  This mixture should never be used if your child has ear pain or ear tubes.

Have a great summer!