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Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa): Symptoms, Treatment & Relief

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Key Points

• Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal.
• Symptoms include ear pain, drainage, itching, and swelling.
• It often follows swimming, bathing, or water exposure.
• Treatment may involve prescription ear drops and pain relief.
• Vitality Urgent Care provides same-day diagnosis and treatment.

What Is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, is a painful infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal—the area between the outer ear and eardrum. It occurs when water or moisture becomes trapped inside the ear, creating an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to grow.

It’s most common in children and teens who swim often, but adults can get it too. Unlike middle ear infections, swimmer’s ear affects the canal itself and often becomes worse when the outer ear is touched.

Swimmer’s Ear Symptoms

Recognizing symptoms early helps prevent complications. According to the CDC, typical signs include:

• Ear pain – Worsens when touching or pulling the ear.
• Itching – Deep in the ear canal.
• Drainage – Clear, yellow, or white fluid may leak from the ear.
• Swelling or redness – Around the outer ear or canal opening.
• Muffled hearing – Caused by blockage or inflammation.
• Fullness or pressure – Feeling like the ear is clogged.

Swimmer’s ear usually affects only one ear and gets worse over time if untreated.

From the Exam Room: What We See

Parents often think ear pain means a middle ear infection. But when the pain increases with touch or comes on after swimming or showering, it’s often swimmer’s ear. We’ve also seen it caused by earbuds or cotton swabs scratching the ear canal.

In adults, it can start with mild itching or discomfort, then suddenly worsen with sharp pain. That’s why early treatment makes a big difference.

What Causes Otitis Externa?

The most common cause is trapped moisture in the ear canal. This can result from:

• Swimming or bathing – Especially in lakes, pools, or hot tubs.
• Inserting objects into the ear – Cotton swabs, fingers, or earbuds.
• Removing too much earwax – Wax helps protect the canal.
• Skin conditions – Like eczema or psoriasis inside the ear.
• Hearing aids or earplugs – Can trap moisture or irritate the skin.

Risk Factors for Swimmer’s Ear

• Frequent swimming or water exposure
• Children and teens – Narrower ear canals trap water more easily
• Warm, humid weather
• Use of in-ear devices – Earbuds, hearing aids, or earplugs
• History of eczema or skin conditions

Prevention Tips for Parents

• Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
• Tilt the head to help water drain out
• Avoid cotton swabs or putting anything inside the ear
• Use swim earplugs if your child swims regularly
• Consider drying drops after pool use or lake days

Swimmer’s Ear Treatment & Relief

Mild cases may improve with over-the-counter pain relievers, but more advanced infections usually require a medicated ear drop.

• Antibiotic or antifungal ear drops – Treat the infection directly
• Steroid drops – Help reduce inflammation and pain
• Pain relievers – Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed
• Ear wick – In some cases, a small sponge helps with deeper application of ear drops when the canal is swollen.

Keep the ear dry during treatment and always complete the full course of drops.

When to Visit Vitality Urgent Care for Swimmer’s Ear

Come in for care if your child or teen has:

• Increasing or sharp ear pain
• Drainage or foul odor from the ear
• Avoids touching the ear due to pain
• Muffled hearing or blocked sensation
• No improvement with over-the-counter meds
• Fever or spreading redness
• Needs a note for school, camp, or swim clearance

✅ Quick FAQ

• Is swimmer’s ear contagious?
  No. It doesn’t spread from person to person.
• Can swimmer’s ear happen without swimming?
  Yes. Showering, sweating, or scratching the ear canal can trigger it.
• Should I use cotton swabs to clean the ear?
  No. They can damage the skin and worsen the condition.
• How long does it take to heal?
  Most cases improve in 2–3 days with treatment. Full recovery takes 7–10 days.
• Can my child go to school with swimmer’s ear?
  Yes, if they feel well and are not in severe pain. Swimming should be avoided until cleared by a provider.

🕗Visit Vitality Urgent Care for Same-Day Care

Our providers offer fast, compassionate care for children and adults in a clean, comfortable setting.

Locations:
📍 Buffalo Grove: 56 W Dundee Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
📍 Lake Zurich: 480 S Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Hours:
Mon–Fri: 8 AM – 8 PM
Sat–Sun: 8 AM – 4 PM

👉 Walk-in or book online

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Care When You Need It Most

Walk in when you need us. Book ahead if you prefer. Our doors are open.

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📍 Buffalo Grove: 56 W Dundee Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
⏰ Mon–Fri: 8 AM – 8 PM | Sat–Sun: 8 AM – 4 PM

📍 Lake Zurich: 480 S Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
⏰ Mon–Fri: 8 AM – 8 PM | Sat–Sun: 8 AM – 4 PM

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JUST WALK-IN or Book Your Visit Online