SWIMMER'S EAR

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DEFINITION - this is an infection in the outer ear canal.  It can be caused by persistent moisture in the ear (hence the name), swimming in polluted water, scraping your ear canal when cleaning your ear or sensitivity to hair sprays or hair dyes.

SYMPTOMS

  • Ear pain
  • Itching
  • Redness in the ear canal
  • Temporary hearing loss
  • Clear drainage
  • Occasionally drainage of yellow-green pus

SELF TREATMENT (if the ache is mild and there is no drainage) -

  1. Use a pain medication such as Tylenol or Advil
  2. Don't clean the inside of your ear canal
  3. Try to keep the ear canals dry.  Swimmers often use over-the-counter ear drops to help repel water
  4. Avoid irritating substances to your ear

CONTACT STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES IF

  1. Severe pain
  2. Ear swelling
  3. Fever
  4. Drainage from the ear