Summer in Camas is filled with opportunities to get outside and enjoy the water. Families spend their weekends exploring Lacamas Lake, cooling off at local splash pads, and spending afternoons at nearby community pools. While these activities are some of the best parts of the season, all that extra time around water can sometimes lead to an uncomfortable condition called swimmer’s ear.
At AFC Urgent Care Camas, swimmer’s ear is one of the most common summer infections we treat in both children and adults. What may begin as mild itching or irritation inside the ear can gradually become painful and disruptive if left untreated.
Fortunately, swimmer’s ear is usually very treatable when recognized early. Knowing what causes it, understanding the symptoms, and taking simple preventive measures can help you spend less time dealing with ear pain and more time enjoying summer activities throughout Camas.
Why Swimmer’s Ear Is More Common During Summer
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection that develops in the outer ear canal. It typically occurs when water remains trapped inside the ear, creating a warm, moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow.
The risk increases during the summer because people naturally spend more time swimming, participating in water sports, and enjoying outdoor activities. Water that stays inside the ear canal can soften the skin and weaken its natural protective barrier. Once the skin becomes irritated, bacteria can enter more easily and cause infection.
Children and teenagers are especially susceptible because they often spend hours in pools, lakes, and splash pads during summer break. However, adults who swim regularly or work outdoors in hot and humid conditions can also develop swimmer’s ear.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimmer’s ear is one of the most common infections associated with water exposure and leads to thousands of healthcare visits each year.
Common Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear often starts with symptoms that may seem minor at first. Many people initially notice a slight itch or irritation and assume it will resolve on its own.
However, symptoms can become increasingly uncomfortable over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching inside the ear
- Mild to moderate ear pain
- Redness of the ear canal
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Drainage from the ear
- Tenderness when touching or pulling the outer ear
Many patients report that discomfort becomes worse when chewing, lying on the affected side, or touching the outside of the ear. As swelling increases, hearing may become more impaired and everyday activities may become difficult.
Early treatment can often relieve symptoms quickly and prevent the infection from worsening.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear?
Despite its name, swimmer’s ear is not limited to people who swim frequently. Any activity that leaves moisture trapped in the ear can increase the likelihood of developing an infection.
Common causes include:
- Swimming in pools, lakes, or rivers
- Water trapped after showering or bathing
- Excessive sweating during hot weather
- Humid summer conditions
- Cleaning the ears with cotton swabs
- Scratching inside the ear canal
- Wearing earbuds or hearing aids for long periods when moisture is present
Many people are surprised to learn that over-cleaning the ears can actually increase the risk of infection. Cotton swabs may remove the protective earwax that helps keep bacteria away from the skin.
They can also create tiny scratches inside the ear canal that make it easier for bacteria and fungi to grow.
The ear naturally produces wax that serves as a protective barrier. Disrupting that barrier can significantly increase the likelihood of developing swimmer’s ear.
When Ear Pain May Signal an Infection
Not every earache is caused by swimmer’s ear, but certain symptoms should not be ignored.
Signs that may indicate an infection include:
- Increasing ear pain
- Swelling of the ear canal
- Yellow, white, or cloudy drainage
- Worsening hearing difficulties
- Redness around the ear
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
As the infection progresses, swelling can become significant enough to narrow or partially block the ear canal. This can make hearing difficult and increase discomfort considerably.
The Mayo Clinic notes that untreated swimmer’s ear can occasionally lead to more serious complications, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions.
Visit AFC Camas if you are experiencing these symptoms or if ear pain is interfering with your daily routine. Our walk-in clinic provides convenient care when you need it.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can develop swimmer’s ear, but certain factors increase the likelihood of infection.
People at higher risk include:
- Frequent swimmers
- Children and teenagers
- Individuals who wear hearing aids
- People who regularly use earbuds
- Those with eczema or sensitive skin conditions
- Individuals who frequently use cotton swabs
- People with narrow ear canals
Summer camps, family vacations, and long days spent on the water around Lacamas Lake often create ideal conditions for swimmer’s ear because of repeated exposure to moisture.
Fortunately, prompt evaluation and treatment can usually help patients recover quickly and return to their favorite summer activities.
Quick Treatment Can Help You Feel Better Faster
Swimmer’s ear often requires treatment once an infection develops. Symptoms typically do not resolve on their own after bacteria begin growing inside the ear canal.
At AFC Camas, our providers can:
- Examine the ear canal
- Determine whether an infection is present
- Remove debris when necessary
- Prescribe medicated ear drops
- Recommend pain relief strategies
- Monitor for possible complications
Many patients begin experiencing relief within several days of starting treatment. Seeking care early often helps shorten recovery time and reduce discomfort.
Early treatment can also lower the risk of developing more extensive infections that require additional medical intervention.
Tips to Help Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
Although swimmer’s ear is common during the summer, a few simple habits can help reduce your risk.
Helpful prevention tips include:
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming
- Tilt your head to allow water to drain
- Use a clean towel after water activities
- Avoid placing cotton swabs inside your ears
- Wear earplugs if recommended by your healthcare provider
- Limit prolonged water exposure when possible
- Keep ears clean without excessive cleaning
Many swimmers find that simply taking a few moments to dry their ears after swimming significantly reduces their chances of developing symptoms.
Small preventive steps can go a long way toward protecting your ears and helping you stay active all summer long.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care?
Some mild irritation may improve on its own, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Visit urgent care if you experience:
- Moderate or severe ear pain
- Drainage from the ear
- Hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Persistent itching
- Ear swelling
- Fever
- Symptoms that continue worsening
Medical evaluation is especially important for children who develop ear pain after swimming and adults who experience recurring ear infections.
If you are searching for urgent care near you or wondering when to visit urgent care for ear pain, early evaluation can help prevent complications and get you back to enjoying summer activities sooner.
Get Fast Relief for Swimmer’s Ear at AFC Urgent Care Camas
At AFC Camas, we provide walk-in treatment for swimmer’s ear, ear infections, ear pain, and other common summer illnesses.
Our experienced providers can evaluate your symptoms, determine the source of your discomfort, and recommend the right treatment plan to help you recover quickly.
