Swimmer’s ear can be avoided, here’s how

Having too much moisture in the ear can irritate or break down the skin in the canal. This allows bacteria or fungi to enter the inner ear, causing the infection. “It’s a common myth that you have to swim to get swimmer’s ear,” says King. “However, anything that causes a break in the skin of the ear canal can lead to an infection.”

These infections can be caused from dry skin or eczema, scratching the ear canal, vigorous ear cleaning with cotton-tipped applicators, or inserting objects, such as bobby pins or paper clips into the ear.

Common symptoms of swimmer’s ear:

• Ear pain

• Ear feels full/uncomfortable

• Itching in the ear canal

• Reddened or swollen outer ear

• Enlarged or tender lymph nodes surrounding the ear

• Discharge from the ear: clear, cloudy, or pus-like

Swimmer’s ear should be treated by a doctor. If not treated properly, the ear pain can worsen and the infection can spread. Pain can be alleviated prior to seeing the doctor by placing a warm washcloth or heating pad against the infected ear. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also be used to ease pain.

Tips to help avoid swimmer’s ear:

1. Wear bathing cap, ear plugs, or custom fitted swim molds while swimming to prevent water from entering the ear.

2. Dry your ears well.

3. Tilt head and hold each ear facing down to drain water from the ear canal; Pulling the ear lobe in different directions will enable water to drain out more easily.

4. Use a hair dryer to help move air within the ear canal - use the lowest heat and fan settings and hold the hair dryer several inches from the ear.

5. Do not try to remove ear wax; it helps protect the ear canal from infection. Consult your pediatrician if you think the canal is blocked by wax.

6. Contact your pediatrician if ears are red, flaky, swollen, painful or have drainage.