Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is an infection, inflammation or irritation of your ear canal and outer ear. This common health condition causes discomfort and pain in swimmers of all ages, but most commonly affects children, teens and young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, swimmer's ear accounts for about 2.4 million doctor's office visits each year. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to treat and prevent this health condition.
Causes
Swimmer's ear affects your outer ear canal, which is the tube that runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. This infection usually results from water getting stuck in your ear after submersing your head in water while swimming, bathing, showering or washing your hair. This water creates a moist, warm environment where bacteria can thrive. You increase your risk of developing a swimmer's ear infection by swimming in a lake instead of a pool. People with excessive ear wax production, eczema or narrow ear canals are more likely to develop this health condition.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic reports that swimmer's ear symptoms typically start off mild but worsen if left untreated and the infection spreads. Signs of a mild case of swimmer's ear include slight pain if you tug or put any pressure on the infected ear. The affected ear might also become swollen and red or have an odorless, clear fluid draining from it. Moderate swimmer's ear infections usually include excessive drainage, increased pain, decreased hearing abilities and a feeling of fullness inside of the infected ear. An advanced case of swimmer's ear causes complete blockage of the ear canal and the lymph nodes on your neck might swell up. You may run a fever and experience severe pain that radiates to your neck or face.
Home Treatments
According to the Mayo Clinic, over-the-counter ear drops that contain a solution of alcohol and acetic acid will help treat most cases of swimmer's ear. You can make your own ear drops by mixing one part of rubbing alcohol with one part of white vinegar. Pour about 1 tsp. of this solution into the affected ear and let it drain back out. Over-the-counter pain relievers that contain ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen can alleviate mild pain and swelling. KidsHealth suggests placing a heating pad or a warm washcloth against the affected ear to relieve some of the pain.
Medical Treatment
Call your health care provider if your ear pain doesn't get better after home treatments or if you experience a pus-like fluid oozing from your ear. Doctors typically prescribe ear drops that contain steroids to reduce the inflammation. A severe swimmer's ear infection might require prescription oral antibiotics. KidsHealth explains that swimmer's ear infections typically clear up within seven to 10 days of treatment.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of swimmer's ear by making sure that you thoroughly dry your ears once they have been exposed to moisture. Wipe them out gently with a clean, soft towel. If you are prone to swimmer's ear infections, use a mixture of one part alcohol to one part vinegar in your ears after they get wet. This solution helps your ears dry out and stops bacteria from growing.
