Question: Certain members of my family seem to get a bad case of swimmer’s ear every summer.  Is there anything we can do to prevent the infections?

Answer: Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal that develops when water is trapped in the ear canal after swimming, showering or other water-related activities.  It is a common ailment, accounting for more than 2 million physician office visits each year.  Even though swimmer’s ear usually is considered to be a minor illness, it can be very painful.

Swimmer’s ear symptoms emerge within a few days after the ears are exposed to water.  The symptoms may include:
    •    Itching inside the ear
    •    Redness or swelling of the ear
    •    Pain when the outer ear is touched or tugged
    •    Fluid or pus drainage from the ear

All age groups are susceptible to swimmer’s ear, although the condition is more common in children.  It is not communicable between individuals.

To treat swimmer’s ear, your physician may prescribe ear drops that include an antibiotic or 2 percent acetic acid solution.  In more severe cases, an oral antibiotic may be required.  The ear drops commonly contain hydrocortisone to relieve discomfort, or an over-the-counter analgesic, such as Tylenol, Advil or Motrin also can be taken for pain relief.  (Do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 20 because of its link to developing Reyes syndrome.)  Consult a physician before giving ear drops to children who have tubes implanted in their ears.  

A warm, dry compress (such as a washcloth straight out of the dryer) also may provide effective pain relief when placed on the infected ear.  

Some simple steps may help prevent painful swimmer’s ear infections:
    •    Avoid swimming in ponds, rivers or untreated pools where the water may have high levels of bacteria.
    •    Avoid using ear plugs which can irritate the ear canal.
    •    Avoid getting hairspray or shampoo in the ears.
    •    Keep the ears as dry as possible – wear a swim cap or shower cap, and use a towel to dry the ears well.
    •    After swimming or showering, tilt your head to each side to allow water to drain.
    •    Use a hair dryer on its lowest settings to dry your ears.  
        Be sure to hold the hair dryer at least several inches away from your head.
    •    Do not put any objects in your ears, including cotton-tip swabs or fingers.
    •    Do not try to remove wax from the ear canal.  Make an appointment with your family physician to remove excess wax.

Patients who have symptoms of swimmer’s ear infection should consult their family physician or pediatrician.  Licking Memorial Hospital’s two Urgent Care facilities also provide care for minor conditions, such as ear infections, without an appointment.


Physician Spotlight – Marita L. Moore, M.D.

Marita L. Moore, M.D., joined Licking Memorial Family Practice in September 2014.  Dr. Moore received her Doctor of Medicine degree at Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago in Maywood, Illinois.  She completed her family medicine residency at Ravenswood Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.  She is board certified in family practice.

Dr. Moore speaks fluent medical and conversational Spanish.  She is accepting new patients at her office, located at 150 McMillen Drive in Newark.  Appointments can be made by calling (220) 564-4824.