Ear infections are a common ailment, especially among children. Swimmer's ear refers to an infection of the outer ear canal that can be caused by prolonged exposure to water.
AFC Urgent Care Aurora Saddle Rock can help treat any ear infection, including swimmer's ear. Kids get sick very easily, and you want them to receive treatment as soon as possible. Visit our center when it's convenient for you - including on weekends! We provide ear infection treatments on weekends, every weekend.
What is swimmer's ear, and what are the symptoms?
Swimmer's ear occurs when there is bacteria and an infection of the outer ear canal. It is also called otitis externa, or acute external otitis. The infection is most commonly caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by viruses or fungi.
Swimmer's ear often occurs after exposure to water, hence the name. However, it can also occur due to other activities that cause moisture in the ear, such as showering, washing your hair, or even sweating.
Symptoms of swimmer's ear include:
- Itching in the ear
- Pain in the ear
- Drainage from the ear
- Redness and swelling of the ear
- Hearing loss
How can you prevent swimmer's ear from developing?
To prevent swimmer's ear, it is important to keep your ears dry. You can do this by:
- Wearing earplugs when swimming or showering
- Wearing a bathing cap when swimming
- Drying your ears with a soft towel after swimming or showering
- Avoiding putting objects such as cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects into your ear canal
If you do develop swimmer's ear, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated, swimmer's ear can lead to more serious complications, such as hearing loss.
What is the treatment for swimmer's ear?
The most common treatment for swimmer's ear is a course of antibiotics. The antibiotics can be taken orally or applied directly to the ear canal as an ear drop. It is critical that you or your child finish the entire course of antibiotics even if your symptoms go away.
In some cases, the AFC Aurora Saddle Rock medical provider will recommend pain relief medication or steroid therapy. In the most severe cases where the infection does not respond to treatment, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.
When should you see a doctor?
If you think you or your child may have swimmer's ear, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Swimmer's ear is usually easy to treat if caught early, but it can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
For more information, be sure to call or visit AFC Aurora Saddle Rock. We can help you determine whether swimmer's ear is the cause of your symptoms and provide the best treatment for you.
