Swimmers Ear (External Otitis)
Swimmer's Ear is a common problem in the summer when our children are in and out of the pool on a regular basis. The outer ear is designed to be dry and the recurrent wetness from swimming causes local irritation and promotes the growth of both fungi and bacteria. Once it starts the outer ear becomes swollen, tender and full of drainage. Almost always the ear lobe hurts when pulled and your child is miserable.
What can you do? In the short run, ibuprofen works best for pain, but acetaminophen is fine if available. However, your child will need to be seen promptly and started on antibiotic drops. Generally five to seven days should be sufficient. Some physicians also like to use antibiotic drops combined with steroids to decrease inflammation and help pain. If the ear is so swollen that the drops can't move down into the deeper ear canal, the physician may place a small piece of gauze called an ear wick into the ear canal to help pull ear drops deeper to promote faster healing. In severe cases of pain a few days of acetaminophen with codeine may be indicated for pain relief. I don't recommend any swimming until the child is substantially better which takes three to five days depending on the severity of the initial infection.
How to prevent a recurrence. After your child is well I recommend putting ear drops in both ears after your child is done swimming. Several options include alcohol mixed with hydrogen peroxide (this will burn if used before your child is well), alcohol plus vinegar or one of several brands of preventative drops which can be purchased at your local pharmacy.