With the official start of summer, Centra Care phsysicians say that heat can be an indirect cause of certain illnesses and the spike in Swimmer’s Ear last week coincides with the spike in temperatures.
Consistent with data from previous years – Otitis Externa, better known as Swimmer’s Ear, is What’s Going Around. In addition to more people swimming to stay cool, heat and humidity are well known to cause Otitis Externa, due to increased ear canal moisture.
So far the increase across all Centra Cares is up nearly 60%. That number is expected to continue to rise throughout the summer months.
Swimmer’s Ear is a painful outer ear infection that develops due to water being trapped in the ear canal. Besides swimming, it can also develop after bathing or scratching the ear canal with fingernails or cotton-tipped swabs.
The best way to prevent Swimmer’s Ear?
- Use a blow dryer set on low to dry ears after swimming or bathing.
- Over-the-counter, alcohol-based drops to evaporate trapped water in the ear.
- Don’t put any foreign objects in your ear.
And the worst prevention?
- Earplugs. They can irritate the skin surrounding the ear canal and can cause infection. Silicon earplugs can get stuck in the canal if not used properly.
According to Centra Care physicians, if you think you or your child has Swimmer’s Ear, seek medical care. If bacteria caused it you will be prescribed prescription antibiotic eardrops, oral antibiotics, or both.
