Swimmer's Ear: Prevent & Treat

Aired on Lifetime Television
August 10 and September 28, 2008
Show 519

Did you know you don't have to be a swimmer to get swimmer's ear? Swimmer's ear happens when bacteria or sometimes fungi manage to infect the ear canal. It's usually mild, but it can also be quite painful. And it can also be caused by bathing or showering. We can diagnose it by finding a red, swollen ear canal with this device. If tugging on a child's earlobe makes the pain worse, that's another sign it's swimmers' ear and not an inner ear infection like one would have with a cold. Now, Swimmer's Ear is preventable by staying out of the water, but that's no fun—but there are other ways to prevent and treat it. Over-the-counter drying agents with rubbing alcohol can help prevent swimmer's ear. Earplugs can also help. Swimmer's ear is best treated with prescription antibiotic ear drops -- some even have mild steroids to help reduce swelling. Your doctor can determine the best one for your child. And to ease that ear pain, a simple over-the-counter pain reliever will do the trick. And remember, once a child has swimmer's ear, don't use anything with alcohol around the ears, since that can make the inflammation and pain worse.