Swimmer's ear is an infection in the external ear canal, which is at the area of the eardrum extending to the outside of your ear. Otitis externa, the more technical term, is commonly referred to as swimmer's ear because the infection often results from prolonged moisture in that outer ear canal, which supports bacterial growth and the subsequent infection.
Step 1
Look for Itching, pain, redness or swelling of the infected ear canal.
Step 2
Check for drainage from the ear canal in the form of brown fluid or pus. You may see the fluid on your pillowcase if you sleep on the infected ear at night.
Step 3
Watch for severe swelling of your ear canal, which could block sound waves from passing to your eardrum, causing decreased hearing.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your ears as dry as possible before and after swimming and pay close attention to the cleanliness of the water in which you swim. Make a solution of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol to help dry out the ear canal and decrease bacterial growth. Apply solution before and after swimming. Pay special attention to protecting your ears if you have had either a recent ear infection or any abrasions near your ear canal.
- In the moderate and severe cases, look out for more intense pain, possible drainage of pus from the ear, fever and blockage of the ear canal from severe swelling. Consult your physician for treatment if symptoms last for more than a day or appear to be progressing to more severe levels. In severe cases, your physician may have to prescribe oral antibiotics to fight the infection, as well as antibiotic ear drops.
