How to Protect Yourself from Swimmer’s Ear

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Summer is in full swing, and you’re probably cooling off by the pool, oceans, lakes, and rivers. But, as temperatures rise, so does the risk for swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), which affects millions of adults and children after some fun in the sun.

What is it?

According to the Mayo Clinic, swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection caused by water that remains in the ear after swimming.

Some of the symptoms include itching, redness inside the ear, discomfort, excessive fluid drainage, and the discharge of pus.

If any of these symptoms exist doctors recommend using over the counter ear drops for swimmer’s ear, but in some cases prescription ear drops are needed.

How can you prevent swimmer’s ear?

To prevent swimmer’s ear you can wear a bathing cap, removable earplugs or after swimming you can use a hair dryer on a low setting, at least 12 inches away to dry your ear.