To most of us, Memorial Day signifies the start of summer. We all look forward to endless days swimming at beaches and in pools. Unfortunately, all that fun can lead to a painful ear infection called Otitis Externa, more commonly known as Swimmer’s Ear.
A Centra Care study shows that Memorial Day is the start of Swimmer’s Ear season in Central Florida. Over the past 3 years, cases of Swimmer’s Ear increased an average of 125% during the weeks following Memorial Day.
As the holiday weekend approaches, Centra Care physicians want to educate Central Floridian’s on how to prevent Swimmer’s Ear, so you won’t become one of the What’s Going Around statistics in the coming weeks.
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Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection. It commonly occurs after swimming or bathing as a result of an infection that develops in trapped water that irritates the canal. The infection may also enter the outer ear after scratching the ear canal with fingernails or cotton-tipped swabs. Swimmer’s ear occurs most frequently in children and young adults, but it can develop in anyone.
So how can you prevent getting Swimmer’s Ear? Centra Care doctors recommend the following tips to lower the risk for you and your children:
- Never place anything into the ear canal, including cotton tipped swabs or your fingertip.
- Dry the outside of ears with a towel, turning head to each side to allow water to run out.
- A hairdryer set at its lowest heat and speed, held about 6 inches from the head, can help dry the ear.
- Leave your earwax alone. It protects the skin of the ear canal from drying out and prevents the growth of bacteria.
- Over-the-counter drops are available that can help evaporate trapped water in the ear.
Even with preventative measures, you may still fall ill. Here are the symptoms to look for:
- Ear Pain
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Muffling of hearing
- Swelling and redness of the ear canal opening
- Pain if ear is gently wiggled
You should seek medical care to examine the ear if you suspect that you or your child has swimmer’s ear. If it is bacterial in nature you will be prescribed prescription antibiotic eardrops, oral antibiotics, or both. You should protect your ear from water and avoid swimming until it heals.
For more information visit: www.CentraCare.org
