Everything you need to know about swimmer’s ear in children
You’ve likely experienced it in your lifetime. Your pool-loving children might have it right now. We all know what it feels like, but just what is swimmer’s ear in children? This is a common and treatable condition, particularly if it’s caught early. Our Plano pediatricians explain what you need to know about this unfortunate side effect of pure summer fun.
What is the cause of this problem?
Just what is swimmer’s ear? It occurs when water accumulates in the outer ear canal, creating a moist environment where bacteria and fungi can grow. The bacteria and fungi can then invade the skin inside the ear canal, causing an infection.
A pediatrician can diagnose this condition by looking for common symptoms.
- Redness, itching or swelling in the ear
- Discomfort or pain
- Drainage from the ear
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Difficulty hearing or feeling like the ear is full of water
Although this problem can be uncomfortable for children, our Plano pediatricians can quickly and easily treat it.
How can you prevent swimmer’s ear in children?
The next question parents have about this condition is how to prevent it. When it comes to swimmer’s ear in children, the first step is to keep the ears dry. After your child swims or takes a bath, use a towel to gently wipe their outer ears. If your child still feels like they have water in their ears, have them tip their head to the side that is bothering them for a few seconds.
Finally, swim wisely. Our Plano pediatricians recommend that children wear earplugs when they go swimming or engage in water activities. Also, stick to clean, treated pools. If you’re near a natural body of water, watch for signs alerting swimmers about high bacteria counts. If you see such a sign, go for a bike ride, fly a kite, make popsicles or find another way to pass a fun summer day together.
Contact our office to learn more about how to handle common summertime ailments. We’re here to help you keep your child safe and healthy during the summer and all year.
