"Swimmer's Ear" is one of the few maladies of summertime. Properly referred to as "otitis externa," swimmer's ear is actually an infection of the outer ear canal. The most common cause is moisture that gets trapped in the outer ear canal. The moisture becomes a breeding ground for bacteria or fungus resulting in an infection that can be very painful.
Signs of swimmer's ear include redness, swelling, or pain in the outer ear (particularly after swimming). If you are having any of these symptoms, it's important to see your local family doctor or ENT. They will prescribe ear drops to treat the infection. Sometimes the ear canal can become so inflamed that a cotton swab soaked with medicine must be inserted to begin treatment. A mild pain reliever may also be helpful to relieve any discomfort.
There are several ways to prevent swimmer's ear. After you've gone swimming, check your ears for excess moisture. Purchase an over-the-counter ear drop solution that can quickly evaporate excess moisture. Wear custom fit swimmer's ear molds. These are usually inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. We charge about $15 per ear to make impressions that are then sent to a manufacturer who makes the actual mold. If you are interested in having custom ear molds, please don't hesitate to call our offices for an appointment.
For more information on swimmer's ear, click here.
Image provided courtesy of arztsamui of freedigitalphotos.net
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