Summer splashing: Tricks to keep away from swimmer’s ear

The University of Kentucky Public Relations & Strategic Communications Office offers a weekly well being column accessible to be used and reprint by information media. This week’s column is by Kenneth C. Iverson, chief of pediatric otolaryngology for Golisano Children’s at UK.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 22, 2026) — Summer brings loads of alternatives for teenagers to swim and play outdoors, however all that point within the water may elevate the chance of swimmer’s ear. Don’t let it interrupt your little one’s enjoyable.

What is swimmer’s ear? 

Otitis externa, also referred to as swimmer’s ear, is an an infection affecting the outer ear canal. The an infection usually develops after swimming or different actions that allow water into the ears. Trapped moisture within the ear creates an atmosphere the place micro organism can develop. At the identical time, the pores and skin lining the outer ear canal can soften, making it simpler for micro organism to enter and trigger an infection.

Some youngsters are extra inclined to swimmer’s ear for causes that aren’t all the time clear. Damage to the outer ear canal — typically brought on by the misuse of cotton swabs — in addition to situations like eczema and seborrheic dermatitis can improve a toddler’s danger of creating swimmer’s ear.

What are the signs?

Mild instances of swimmer’s ear go away youngsters feeling itchy, slight redness contained in the ear and fluid drainage. Children may additionally really feel discomfort that worsens by touching or pulling on the ear, which is distinct from ear ache brought on by a typical center ear an infection.

More extreme instances might embody extreme ache and itchiness, a sensation of fullness contained in the ear, partial or full blocking of the outer ear canal, redness or swelling of the outer ear, drainage of thick and cloudy fluid, decreased listening to, swelling of the lymph nodes, or fever. 

How is swimmer’s ear handled?

Cases of swimmer’s ear are sometimes delicate and reply effectively to remedy however ought to be examined and handled by a physician. 

Before seeing a pediatrician, you possibly can assist handle your little one’s ache at dwelling with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. 

A physician can take away contaminated fluid or particles from the ear canal and will prescribe ear drops to deal with the an infection and scale back swelling and ache. Severe instances might require frequent suctioning of particles. 

Other remedy choices embody oral antibiotics and placement of a wick into the ear canal to assist drops attain deeper right into a blocked canal.

Avoid getting water within the ear through the remedy course of and dry the ears and reapply drops after bathing.

Preventing swimmer’s ear

Most youngsters don’t must take particular precautions except they’ve recurrent infections or a current an infection. If so, restrict time within the water to lower than an hour and dry extra water from the outer portion of the ears with a clear towel or a hair dryer on a cool setting. 

Sometimes, sure topical drops can be utilized after water publicity however seek the advice of your physician to find out which might be applicable in your little one — particularly in case your little one has ear tubes or a gap within the eardrum. 

Over-the-counter or custom-made ear plugs can be utilized as effectively to stop extended water publicity to the ear canal for kids who’re inclined. 

Avoid utilizing cotton swabs or different gadgets that may take away an excessive amount of ear wax or trigger small accidents within the ear canal, creating a gap for micro organism to enter the pores and skin. Ear wax is a pure measure of safety towards swimmer’s ear as its oily properties assist repel water and has traits that naturally resist microbes.

Although a case of swimmer’s ear could also be unavoidable for some youngsters, recognizing the indicators early and searching for correct remedy might help preserve a minor an infection from disrupting summertime actions.