After spending too much time at the pool, either for sport or pleasure, you may feel a tingling sensation in your ear, followed by itchiness and pain. This condition is known as swimmer’s ear. It mainly affects those who swim regularly. Here, learn about the condition and what you can do about it, including when to see a doctor.

Understanding Swimmer’s Ear

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Known in the medical world as acute otitis externa, swimmer’s ear is one of the more common ear infections affecting the outer portion of the body part as well as the ear canal. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear range from mild to severe, and typically include ear canal itching, swelling, and redness, fluid discharge, and hearing problems.

Worsening infection symptoms include more severe canal pain and swelling, excessive fluid and pus drainage, feelings of fullness in the ear, and redness and inflammation on the outer ear. In the advanced stages, the pain may spread to the rest of the face and cause a fever as well as lymph node swelling and complete canal blockages.

How Does The Infection Occur?

When water gets trapped in one or both ears, it can cause infection. You may feel the liquid sloshing around or notice excessive noise when you swallow. If that water contained bacteria or fungi, the chance of contracting swimmer’s ear dramatically increases. 

This condition can also occur after using a cotton swab too harshly and cutting the canal, allowing bacteria in. Skin conditions, such as seborrhea and eczema, that spread to the ear canals create welcome environments for bacteria as well.

Can It Be Prevented?

Custom, well-fitted earplugs that completely seal the canal from water are among the best defenses against this painful infection. Cleaning and drying the ears after bathing or swimming prevents infections as well. Additionally, tip your head to let the water drain before you dry. 

If you get an ear infection, use drops consisting of equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol to kill the bacteria and dry out the canal. Should your condition worsen, see your doctor for prescription ear drops. Antibiotics and steroids may also be used to eliminate the infection and reduce swelling, respectively. 

Don’t let swimmer’s ear become severe—visit the doctors at Ridgeview Internal Medicine Group in Rochester, NY, for ear infection treatment, among other healthcare services. Serving the community since 1992, this health center focuses on preventive care and treatment for acute and chronic conditions. Call the doctors at (585) 342-3870 to schedule an appointment or learn more about healthcare services online.