Few things say summer like swimming, but for kids, that fun can sometimes come with an uncomfortable downside: swimmer’s ear. Known medically as otitis externa, swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, the passage that connects the outside of the ear to the ear drum. It’s a common condition, especially in children, and fortunately, it’s often preventable with a few simple steps. In this blog, we’ll dive into swimmer’s ear prevention, the symptoms of swimmer’s ear, and when to see your child’s healthcare provider.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear, or external otitis, is an outer ear infection typically caused by water becoming trapped in the ear canal. This creates a moist environment that encourages bacterial or sometimes fungal growth. Unlike a middle ear infection, which affects the space behind the ear drum, swimmer’s ear affects the outer ear and outer ear canal.
The condition is called otitis externa because it affects the external part of the ear. Moisture, dead skin cells, and too much earwax can all contribute to the risk. Swimmer’s ear otitis externa is especially common in children who spend lots of time in water.
Common Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
You may notice symptoms of swimmer’s ear within a day or two of your child swimming. These may include:
- Ear pain, which may worsen when the ear is tugged or pressed
- Itchiness inside the ear canal
- Drainage of clear or pus-like fluid
- Ear redness and swelling
- Muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear
In more severe cases, swimmer’s ear can lead to severe pain, fever, or even swollen lymph nodes in the upper neck.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear is most often caused by bacteria found in water. Kids are especially susceptible because they tend to spend more time in pools, lakes, and oceans. Exposure to high bacteria counts in natural bodies of water can increase the risk. Other factors include:
- Frequent use of cotton swabs, which can irritate the skin lining of the ear canal
- Wearing hearing aids, earbuds, or other objects that trap moisture
- Existing skin conditions like eczema
- Allergic responses to hair sprays, hair dyes, or rubbing alcohol in the ear
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Diagnosed?
Swimmer’s ear diagnosed by a healthcare provider involves a physical exam and a look into the ear canal with an otoscope. In some cases, a sample of fluid from the ear may be taken to determine the type of bacteria or fungal infection.
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?
The good news is that swimmer’s ear treated early usually resolves quickly. Treatment often includes:
- Prescription ear drops, which may contain antibiotics, steroids, or antifungal agents
- Over-the-counter pain medicine for discomfort
- In some cases, antibiotic ear drops or oral medications if the infection is advanced
Be sure to follow the dosing instructions carefully and keep the ear dry while the infection clears. If the ear is very swollen, your healthcare provider may place a small wick in the ear canal to help the ear drops reach deeper.
When to See a Pediatrician
If your child complains of ear pain, drainage, or itching, it’s a good idea to call your pediatrician. Prompt care can prevent the infection from worsening or spreading to nearby tissue. Go to the emergency room if your child experiences:
- Fever above 101°F
- Swelling in the outer ear or upper neck
- Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication
- Signs of a deep tissue infection
- A punctured eardrum
How to Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear prevention is key, especially during the summer months. Here are some tips to prevent swimmer’s ear in your child:
- Keep the ears dry. Use a soft towel to dry your child’s ears after swimming or bathing. Tilt the head to help water drain.
- Gently dry the ears with a hair dryer on the cool setting, or use a blow dryer at arm’s length.
- Use over-the-counter ear drops after swimming to help keep ears dry.
- Avoid inserting cotton swabs or cotton balls into the ear canal, which can irritate the skin inside the ear.
- If your child has skin conditions, work with your pediatrician to manage them.
- Wear earplugs when swimming, especially in untreated water.
- Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, or oceans that may have high bacteria counts.
Special Considerations
Children who use hearing aids should take extra care to keep the outer ear clean and dry. Removing devices after swimming and wiping the area can help. If your child has had neck surgery or is prone to chronic infections, discuss water safety with your pediatrician.
What Happens If It’s Not Treated?
Untreated swimmer’s ear can lead to complications, such as a chronic infection, fungal infection, or damage to the ear canal. In rare cases, it can cause a rare complication involving the skull base or spread to the nearby tissue.
Conclusion
While swimmer’s ear is a common summertime issue for kids, it’s often easily preventable and treatable. Recognizing the symptoms of swimmer’s ear, knowing how swimmer’s ear is diagnosed, and practicing good swimmer’s ear prevention habits can go a long way in keeping your child’s ears healthy. If your child experiences ear pain or other signs of otitis externa, contact your healthcare provider to get the right care, including antibiotic ear drops or other treatments if needed. With the right precautions, your child can enjoy the water safely all season long.
For questions or concerns about swimmer’s ear, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s pediatrician at Wake Forest Pediatrics. We’re here to help your family stay healthy and happy!
