Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal. In general, if you scraped the ears, there would be a small bulge in your ear canal; but, if you were infected with swimmer's ear, when you scraped the ears, wow! Let us explore the types of ear infection often experienced by swimmers.

Swimmer's ear is also referred to as acute external otitis. This ear infection is different from other infections in general. Usually, when children were infected, we called it otitis media which occurred in the middle ear canal. This infection often occurred when children were freezing.

Swimmer's ear occurred when bacteria grew in the ear canal, precisely in the area of the path to the eardrum. In the canal, you will find delicate skin protected by a thin layer of wax. Often, water can pass in and out of the ear canal without causing problems, not always sure infected even though you shower or bathe.

Bacteria would grow when the water clogged the ear canal and swept the protective coating of earwax. Too often swim can remove the protective coating and cause wet conditions in the ear canal. Bacteria grows, the ear canal becomes red and swollen. Sometimes, children could be exposed to the infection even though they did not swim. Small scratches or irritation of the ear canal can also cause swimmer's ear.

Swimmer's ear begins with the appearance of itching. Do not scratch because it can worsen the infection. Swelling of the ear is a common sign of swimmer's ear. Even just touching the outside of the ear feels sore. Because of the infection, the hearing could be impaired. This is caused by the swelling of the ear canal.

If your doctor diagnosed you were infected, he would immediately give ear drops containing antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Sometimes, the doctor might use a wick, but not candle wick! The wick is a small sponge the doctor put on your ear. The drug has been put on the sponge and let the drug is absorbed in the infected ear canal. The wick will be removed after the treatment is over.

Although your ears felt better, the doctor could have been told you to use the drops. You see, too fast to stop treating can cause re-infection.

The question kids want to know is, "When can I swim again?" You need to ask the doctor. It could be ten days away. This could be disappointing the child because summer passed him. However, it is better than more pain of the infection.

If these infections posed a problem for you, or your children liked to play water, the doctor would give advice that could protect you from suffering.