Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal that often develops after water, sand, or other debris has gotten into the ear. This frequently occurs after swimming, but can also occur after showering. Symptoms of swimmer’s ear include pain, itching, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Swimmer’s ear pain tends to be worse when you chew and when you wiggle your earlobe.

To prevent swimmer’s ear, you should dry your ears after swimming or showering first by shaking your head to remove as much water as possible, and then by using the corner of a tissue or a towel to further dry the ear. A blow dryer held several inches from each ear can also be helpful, but make sure that it’s at the lowest setting.

You might also try putting a few drops of rubbing alcohol or alcohol mixed with an equal

amount of white vinegar in the ear after swimming or showering. To help the liquid enter the ear canal, wiggle the outside of the ear, then tilt your head and let it drain out.

Finally, you might try over-the-counter drops such as Star-Otic or Swim-Ear—especially if your ear is itchy. Use these drops before and after swimming or getting your ears wet. You should insert them lying down with your ears facing up. Warm them first by rolling the container between your hands, then squeeze the drops onto the wall of your ear canal so that air can escape and drops can get into the ear. You might find that wiggling the outer ear helps. Whatever you do, don’t use cotton swabs, such as Q-tips, or other objects to try to get water or sand out of your ear.

If you get swimmer’s ear, you can treat it at home by using a bulb syringe and a solution of half white vinegar and half warm water. (The bulb syringe can be purchased at most pharmacies.) Gently rinse the ear using the syringe and solution. Try to avoid getting water in the ear until the condition clears up. If you still want to swim or shower, use a piece of cotton coated with petroleum jelly as an earplug. Don’t use plastic earplugs.

You should call your health care professional if your ear pain or itching continues or gets worse after five days of home treatment. You should also call if the ear canal is swollen, red, and very painful, or if you have discharge from your ear. Finally, call if you think that a regular ear infection is present—rather than just an irritation of the external ear canal. This kind of infection is behind the eardrum and is also referred to as a middle ear infection.