If your ears hurt after swimming, you might have a common condition known as swimmer's ear. This sometimes painful complaint is easily treated, but could warrant a doctor's care. If this is your first time with these symptoms, contact your health-care practitioner for advice and treatment.
Definition
Swimmer's ear is also called acute external otitis and otitis externa. It's an infection of the outer ear caused by bacterial growth caused by lingering moisture that sits in this area of your ear. It isn't always caused by swimming, despite the name. If you stick something in your ear, such as a swab or nail, you can scratch the thin skin of your ear, which encourages infection.
Treatment
The treatment depends on the severity of the infection. If you have pain as well as pus, you need antibiotics, typically provided as drops, to remove the infection. If the infection is less severe, your doctor might suggest vinegar drops. Treat the pain with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory. In severe cases, if the ear is swollen, you might require corticosteroids to bring the swelling down and stop any itching.
Prevention
To prevent swimmer's ear from returning, use a vinegar rinse to keep the bacteria at bay. A drop of alcohol with a drop of white vinegar not only dries out the ear, but also kills bacteria that can cause infection. In addition, don't put objects into your ear and don't scratch your ear because that can damage the skin that protects against infection. Keep your ears clean and dry them out as much as possible without intruding into the inner ear. Your doctor will tell you when you can get back in the water -- swimming is not recommended while recovering.
Considerations
Some people are prone to this type of infection, either because of their anatomy or their activity level. Swimmers, for whom the infection is named, are the most likely to be afflicted. However, the ear canal of a child is also a breeding ground that can cause swimmer's ear, even if the child doesn't swim. A child's ear canal is very small, making it difficult to keep dry.
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