There's nothing like a day at the beach in Massachusetts, whether you're lounging on Cape Cod, diving into Walden Pond, or enjoying a family outing to Revere Beach. But while you're soaking in the sun and sea, your body may be picking up more than just a tan. From swimmer's ear and bacterial skin infections to fungal rashes, warm water, sand, and sweat can create the perfect storm for summer infections.

At AFC Urgent Care Swampscott, we see an uptick in beach-related infections every summer. Many of these conditions start mild but can quickly worsen without treatment. This blog is your guide to understanding, preventing, and treating the most common beach infections so you can enjoy your summer worry-free.

 

1. Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)

Swimmer's ear is a bacterial infection of the outer ear canal that occurs when moisture becomes trapped in the ear, particularly after swimming in lakes, oceans, or pools.

Signs of Swimmer's Ear:

• Itchy ear canal
• Pain when touching or pulling on the ear
• A feeling of fullness or fluid in the ear
• Drainage (often clear, yellow, or pus-like)
• Redness or swelling around the outer ear
• Decreased hearing in the affected ear

Swimmer's ear can develop within a day or two after swimming, especially in warm, humid weather.

How to Prevent It:

• Dry your ears thoroughly with a towel or by tilting your head after swimming
• Use over-the-counter ear-drying drops (ask your pharmacist)
• Avoid inserting cotton swabs or fingers into the ear
• Use earplugs if you're prone to ear infections

When to Seek Help:

If symptoms persist or worsen within 24–48 hours, visit AFC Urgent Care Swampscott. We offer ear exams, antibiotic drops, and infection care on a walk-in basis.

 

2. Sand Rash (Irritant Dermatitis or Folliculitis)

Sand rash, also known as sand burn or beach rash, occurs when sand repeatedly rubs against your skin, irritating. This is common on the thighs, underarms, bikini line, or anywhere skin is exposed and in contact with wet sand or salty water. In some cases, if bacteria enter irritated skin, a more serious condition, such as folliculitis (an infection of hair follicles), may develop.

Symptoms:

• Red, itchy, or tender patches
• Tiny red bumps or pimples
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Swelling, especially in areas like the inner thighs or under swimsuit straps

Prevention Tips:

• Shower off sand frequently and gently
• Change out of wet swimsuits and dry your skin
• Use a barrier cream (like petroleum jelly) on prone areas
• Avoid tight swimwear that rubs or traps sand

When to Visit Urgent Care:

If the rash becomes painful, spreads, or oozes, it may be infected. Don't wait. Visit an AFC Urgent Care location in Swampscott for evaluation and possible treatment with topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory creams.

 

3. Fungal Infections (Ringworm, Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch)

Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, making your beach bag, flip-flops, and swimsuits prime breeding grounds. Whether you're barefoot in a public shower or lounging in wet swimwear, fungal infections can appear quickly.

Common Types:

• Ringworm: Itchy, circular red rash with a clearer center
• Athlete's foot: Peeling, cracking, or itchy skin between toes
• Jock itch: Red, scaly rash in the groin or upper thigh

These infections spread easily through skin-to-skin contact, the use of shared towels, or walking barefoot in communal areas, such as beach bathrooms.

Prevention Tips:

• Wear flip-flops or sandals in public areas
• Don't share towels, razors, or swimwear
• Change out of wet clothes promptly
• Keep groin, feet, and underarms dry
• Wash towels and swimsuits after each use

When to Seek Help:

Mild fungal infections may respond to over-the-counter antifungal creams, but if the rash spreads or doesn't improve within a few days, visit your local AFC MA clinic for stronger medication or a diagnosis.

 

4. Cuts, Scrapes, and Infected Wounds

Whether you're walking on shells, scraping a knee on the boardwalk, or stepping on rocks, minor beach wounds can lead to infection when exposed to bacteria in sand or seawater.

Signs of Infection:

• Increasing redness and swelling
• Warmth at the site
• Pus or drainage
• Fever or chills (in more serious cases)

Beaches may harbor bacteria like Staphylococcus or Vibrio, both of which can enter even minor wounds and cause complications.

First Aid Tips:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with clean water
• Apply antibiotic ointment
• Cover with a clean, dry bandage
• Keep an eye out for worsening symptoms

If the cut becomes infected or you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years, visit AFC Urgent Care Swampscott right away for cleaning, treatment, and vaccinations if needed.

 

5. Eye Infections (Conjunctivitis or Irritation)

Sand and saltwater can irritate the eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses. In some cases, bacteria can cause conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye) or corneal infections.

Symptoms:

• Red, itchy, or watery eyes
• Gritty feeling or burning
• Crusting on lashes
• Sensitivity to light

Prevention:

• Wear swim goggles if diving or playing in water
• Avoid rubbing your eyes with sandy or dirty hands
• Remove contact lenses before swimming
• Use saline solution to rinse out the eyes

If symptoms persist for more than a day, visit an AFC to prevent the worsening or spreading of the infection. We offer on-site eye evaluations and prescription eye drops.

 

When to Visit AFC Urgent Care Swampscott

It's not always easy to tell whether a rash, sore, or earache is severe. That's where we come in.

See us if you experience:

• Ear pain, discharge, or hearing changes
• Spreading rashes or oozing bumps
• Wounds that won't heal or show signs of infection
• Fever after a beach day
• Eye redness or pain that doesn't go away
• Any skin discomfort that worsens over 48 hours

We offer:

• Same-day treatment
• Walk-in appointments 7 days a week
• On-site labs, prescriptions, and follow-up instructions
• Compassionate care for children and adults

Find your nearest Massachusetts location now.

 

Beach Day Checklist: Infection Prevention Essentials

Before you head to the coast, pack smart:

✅ Fresh towels (not shared)

✅ Extra dry clothes

✅ Antiseptic wipes or a first aid kit

✅ Flip-flops for public areas

✅ Sunscreen and barrier creams

✅ Earplugs and goggles

✅ Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated

✅ Hand sanitizer

Spending just a few minutes preparing can save you from dealing with days or weeks of discomfort later.

A perfect beach day in Massachusetts shouldn't end with itching, infection, or a trip to the ER. The key to staying healthy? Be aware of the infections to watch for, know how to prevent them, and know where to seek help if something doesn't feel right.

At AFC Urgent Care Swampscott, we've got your back (and your skin, ears, and feet). Whether it's a stubborn rash, a swimmer's ear, or a suspected fungal infection, you don't have to wait for relief.