Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) - Brief Version
What is swimmer's ear?
Swimmer's ear is an infection of the skin lining the ear
canal. Ear canals need to be dry. When water gets trapped
in the ear canal the lining becomes damp and swollen and
tends to become infected.
Your child probably has swimmers ear if:
- Your child has itchy and painful ear canals.
- Your child has been swimming recently.
- Your child feels pain when the earlobe is moved up and
down.
- Your child feels pain when the tab of the outer ear
overlying the ear canal is pushed in.
- The ear feels plugged up.
- There is a slight amount of clear discharge at first.
Without treatment, the discharge becomes yellowish.
How can I take care of my child/
- For mild swimmer's ear, use white vinegar mixed with equal
parts of water. Fill the ear canal with the vinegar
mixture. After 5 minutes, remove it by turning the head to
the side. Do this twice a day.
- For severe swimmer's ear, use antibiotic-steroid
eardrops. (These require a prescription.) Run the
eardrops down the side of the ear opening so that air
isn't trapped under the drops. Then move the ear lobe back
and forth to help the eardrops go down into the ear.
Continue using the eardrops until 48 hours after all the
symptoms have cleared up.
- Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for pain
relief.
How can I prevent swimmer's ear?
After the infection is cured, rinse your child's ear canals with
rubbing alcohol each time he finishes swimming or bathing.
Call your child's doctor right away if:
- The ear pain becomes severe.
- Your child starts acting very sick.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- The ear becomes severely painful.
- The ear symptoms are not cleared up in 3 days.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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