Preventing Swimmer's Ear

Preventing Swimmer’s Ear this Summer

By Helen Rose, MD

Swimmer’s Ear is a common and bothersome ailment that is quite common in the summer.  There are a number of ways to help decrease the likelihood that your child will develop this disease.

• Keep your child’s ears as dry as you can.  Have your child use a bathing cap, ear plugs, or ear molds when swimming.

• Dry your child’s ears well after swimming/showering.   You can do this by using a towel to dry the ear, tilting child’s head so ear is facing down and pulling the earlobe in different directions to allow water to escape ear canal, or using a hair dryer on lowest setting and held a few inches from the ear.

• Remember to avoid putting objects in the ear.

• There is no need to try to remove ear wax.  In fact, ear wax serves a protective role.  If your child seems to have a blockage due to wax, inform your pediatrician.

• It is sometimes helpful to use ear drops, such as alcohol based or rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, after swimming.  Consult your pediatrician.

• Check with your pediatrician if your child’s ears are itchy, flaky, swollen, or painful or if your child has ear drainage.

• Any pool your child uses should have the pH levels checked at least twice per day.  This decreases the likelyhood that germs will be spread while swimming.

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