How to prevent and treat swimmer’s ear this summer

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) — As the summer heat rolls in, many will be jumping into pools to try and cool off. East Texas doctors warn parents to stay vigilant for symptoms of swimmer’s ear over the next few months.

Swimmer’s ear is a painful infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal and is most common in children. The infection can be cause by water that remains in the ear, creating a moist environment aiding the growth of bacteria.

Experts said swimmer’s ear can also be caused by putting fingers, cotton swabs or other objects in the ear that can damage the layer of skin lining the ear canal.

“I think most of that has to do with the angle of the ear canal. A lot of things change as we grow,” Doug Curran, Chief Medical Officer, East Texas Community Clinic, said. “This time of the year, it’s easy for it to get irritated after the winter.”

Symptoms can include, itching, redness, swelling and in severe cases drainage of fluid.

“Worst case scenario of course is an abscess formation in the ear canal,” Curran said. “That would have to be surgically drained.”

Experts said people can use ear plugs or dry out their ears using a hair dryer can help prevent swimmer’s ear. Curran said people should also stay away from pools and lakes they are unfamiliar with.

“Not only external ear canal infections are a problem, but you can also get amoebas and other bad kind of infections from stagnant water,” Curran said. “If it’s not making good progress after 3-4 days, they need reevaluation by their physician.”

People are advised to schedule a doctor’s visit even if they have mild signs or symptoms of swimmer’s ear but to call their doctor immediately or visit the emergency room if they are experiencing severe pain or fever.

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