Take steps to prevent swimmer's ear infections.

Otitis externa is the medical term for swimmer's ear, and occurs when an infection develops in the outer ear and the ear canal skin. It is not the same as otitis medina, which is an infection of the inner ear and is usually the result of a cold. Swimmer's ear is typically caused by water that becomes lodged in the ear canal after swimming or bathing. In the midst of a swimming session, water reaches the outer ear area and leaves a resulting infection.

While this is not contagious, it bears similarities to infections that affect skin that has been damaged by a bite or a cut. To avoid getting swimmer's ear, there are non-prescription ear drops that you can purchase. You can also mix up your own with rubbing alcohol and vinegar. As soon as you come out of the water after swimming put 5 to 10 drops in each ear. Let the drops remain in ears for a few minutes then tilt head to drain any remaining liquid.

This treatment works because the alcohol evaporates the water and the vinegar kills bacteria and fungus. This procedure is designed to keep your child from succumbing to a swimmer's ear infection, and not meant as a cure if an infection is already present. Another methods of avoiding swimmer's ear is to make sure your ears are completely dried if water has entered. Also, do not swim in water that is dirty, and do not insert anything into your ears.

Swimmer's ear includes symptoms such as itching within the ear canal or the outer ear, compromised hearing, facial pain or pain near your ears, or pain resulting from pressure on the area which extends over your ear canal, or manipulation of the ear. Your child may also have swimmer's ear if the discomfort is limited to one ear.

Watch for any substance coming out of the ear which resembles pus. You should consult a doctor immediately if you suspect you or your child has swimmer's ear, particularly if you noticed a pus-like substance around the ear. Although unlikely, untreated or serious swimmer's ear sometimes also affects the bone and cartilage encompassing the ear canal. If you need immediate pain relief, a standard dose of acetaminophen can help, as will holding a warm towel or heating pad to the ear.

Antibiotic-steroid drops may be prescribed by your physician should the ear canal become swollen because of infection. The antibiotic takes care of the poisons in the ear, and the steroids serve to accelerate the recovery process. Your physician might put a wick in the child's ear if there is significant swelling of the ear canal; a wick is a bit of sponge or cotton which helps the drops to penetrate down to the ear canal. The regimen of drops will typically last between five and ten days, and the patient should not swim or allow water into their ear for the duration.

Keep in mind that it is very important to monitor this condition in a young person, and to keep an eye out for recurring infection, balance problems, discomfort in the ear area, or any other malady which may indicate a return of the initial problem.

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