Is your little one tugging at their ears after visiting the pool? It might be swimmer’s ear. Our pediatric urgent care team is here to make treatment easy and stress-free.
What is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear (also called otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal. It happens when water gets trapped in the ear. That trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and cause infection. It’s different from a typical middle ear infection. While those affect the inner parts of the ear, swimmer’s ear stays on the outside, but it can still be very painful.
How Do Kids Get It?
Despite the name, your child doesn’t have to be a swimmer to get swimmer’s ear! This painful ear condition can happen any time moisture gets trapped in the ear canal and creates the perfect environment for bacteria or fungi to grow. It can happen after:
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A bath or shower
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Time spent in a humid environment
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Any situation where water gets trapped in the ear
Signs to Watch For
Symptoms can come on quickly. Watch for:
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Ear pain, especially when tugging the ear
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Itching inside the ear
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Drainage or fluid from the ear
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A “clogged” or full feeling
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Redness or swelling
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Tender lymph nodes around the ear or jaw
In more severe cases, there may be pus or a bad odor coming from the ear. If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit pediatric urgent care for evaluation and treatment.
How to Help Prevent Swimmer’s Ear
You can lower your child’s risk with a few simple habits:
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Dry their ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
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Tilt their head to help water drain out naturally
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Avoid putting objects in the ear (including cotton swabs)
When to Visit A Pediatric Urgent Care
If your child has ear pain or shows signs of swimmer’s ear, don’t wait! At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, we can examine their ear and provide fast, effective treatment.
Walk in to a nearby clinic or save your spot online. Let us help your child get back to enjoying a fun, pain-free summer!
