Don’t Let Swimmer’s Ear Ruin Your Summer

As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, swimming becomes a favorite pastime in many American households. While out enjoying the pool, though, don’t get caught off guard by one of the summer’s many woes, Otitis Externa, or more commonly known as, Swimmer’s Ear.

Swimmer’s Ear occurs when water becomes trapped for long periods of time in your ear canal. It can be fostered by the presence of bacteria found in many common swimming places, such as pools and lakes. Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear include itchiness, swelling, and redness in the ear canal, as well as pain when the ear is bumped or tugged. These signs normally appear within a few days of swimming, and while Swimmer’s Ear can be painful and annoying, it is not contagious.

To prevent this blight of summer fun, be sure to keep your ears as dry as possible when enjoying the water. You can do this by wearing underwater ear plugs and by drying ears thoroughly after exiting pools, lakes, and even showers. If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear, be sure to check in with your doctor or local Twin Rivers Urgent Care for evaluation and treatment. Don’t let a summer swim ruin your summer fun!