Pool days. The splashing, the diving, the “just five more minutes” negotiations.

But if your child has ever climbed out of the water tugging at their ear, you know the fun doesn’t always follow them out of the pool.

Chances are, you’re dealing with swimmer’s ear — one of the most common kid complaints of summer. And thankfully, one of the most treatable.

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection of the skin in the outer ear canal. Kids are especially prone because their ear canals are narrower than those of adults. This makes it easier for water to get trapped and bacteria to grow.

Causes of Swimmer's Ear

Water is the most obvious culprit. When water gets trapped in the ear canal, the lining gets damp and swollen. Because the ear canal is dark and warm, it creates ideal conditions for bacteria to grow.

But water isn’t the only cause. 

Cleaning ears with cotton swabs can strip away protective earwax and leave small scratches in the ear canal, leading to infection. Skin allergies like eczema, as well as minor ear canal injuries, can have the same effect. Anything that disturbs the delicate skin in the ear canal opens the door to infection.

Signs and Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear has a few telltale signs that set it apart from other ear problems. The most telling is the pain when you gently tug or press on the outer ear. That pain can help you tell the difference between swimmer’s ear and other types of ear infections before you call the doctor.

Other signs and symptoms of swimmer’s ear:

• Redness on the outer ear
  
  
• Itching and/or pain in the ear canal
  
  
• A feeling that the ear is plugged
  
  
• Discharge or drainage from the ear canal
  
  
• Swelling in the lymph nodes around the ear
  
  
• Swelling or fluid buildup can also temporarily affect hearing. Swimmer’s ear doesn’t typically come with a fever, though that shouldn’t rule out a trip to the doctor.

When To See a Doctor

Contact your child’s pediatrician right away if your child has ear pain with or without a fever, reduced hearing or discharge from their ear. Their pediatrician can diagnose the problem and tailor treatment to the severity of the infection and your child’s pain level. They may prescribe antibiotic ear drops to resolve the infection and an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Your child will need to avoid swimming until treatment is complete and symptoms are gone. With proper treatment, they should start feeling better within one to two days. Most kids fully recover within seven to ten days.

How To Prevent Swimmer’s Ear

A simple post-swim routine can make a big difference in preventing swimmer’s ear.

• Dry ears after swimming. Have your child tilt their head to each side to let water drain out from the ear canal after swimming or bathing. You can also use a hair dryer set to the coolest setting, held a few inches away, to help dry things out.
  
  
• Avoid putting objects in the ears. Cleaning ears with cotton swabs, such as Q-tips, is one habit worth breaking. Earwax provides a protective barrier and can help keep bacteria out. Swabs can strip it away, scratch the canal and push bacteria deeper.
  
  
• Use a preventive treatment. You can make preventive eardrops at home by mixing equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol into a clean dropper bottle. After swimming, put three to four drops into one ear at a time, then let it drain out. If your child has ear tubes or a history of ear problems, skip this treatment and consult your child’s pediatrician.
  
  
• Ask about earplugs. If your child swims often or gets swimmer’s ear repeatedly, ask their pediatrician if earplugs are a good choice. They aren’t right for every child, and if used incorrectly, they can jam earwax into the ear canal and cause problems.
  
  
• Consider the water source. Lake water tends to have more bacteria than chlorinated pool water. It’s not a reason to skip the lake, just a reminder to be diligent about drying their ears after swimming.

The good news? Swimmer’s ear is one of the most treatable complaints of summer. When caught early and treated promptly, most kids are back in the water within a week or two. In no time, they’ll be ready for more splashing, more diving and more pleas for “just five more minutes.”