How to Avoid Swimmer's Ear This Summer
As we splash into summer, many families enjoy spending more time around water at the pool, lake or beach. And, around this time of year, our Centra Care physicians often treat more cases of otitis externa, or “swimmer’s ear.”
All summer long, we’ll be here to treat swimmer’s ear and other common ear infections. Our locations are open seven days a week to serve you and your family.
Signs to Watch For
Swimmer’s ear is an infection that can develop when water gets trapped in the ear canal, usually after swimming or bathing. Unlike a middle ear infection, where the symptoms are hard to see from the outside, some signs of swimmer’s ear are very noticeable, including:
- Foul-smelling drainage
- Itchy outer ear
- Pain when the earlobe is pulled
- Redness and swelling
How to Steer Clear
Swimmer’s ear is most common in children, but anyone can get it. To help prevent a case from developing, you can:
- Swim with a bathing cap or earplugs
- Use a towel to dry ears well after swimming or bathing
- Slowly tilt your head to each side to let water drain out of the ear canal
If you experience swimmer’s ear, you can ease discomfort by holding a warm compress to the area. Antibiotic ear drops can also help clear up the infection.
At Centra Care, we’re always nearby to help with ear pain, ear infections or other uncomfortable symptoms you may experience this summer. Find your neighborhood location today so you know where to go before you need us.
