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Otitis externa, better known as “swimmer’s ear,” is an inflammation of the external ear canal usually caused by water irritating the skin inside the ear, which then becomes infected with a bacteria or (more rarely) a fungus. Ear pain is the most common symptom of swimmer’s ear—unlike the pain from a middle ear infection, however, the pain from swimmer’s ear is usually made worse by tugging on the outer ear.

Prevention
Swimmer’s ear can be prevented by keeping water out of your child’s ears—this can be done through the use of earplugs or over-the-counter drying agents from the drugstore. If you choose to use earplugs, be sure to get a pair with a tight seal so they keep all the water out—if the earplugs are too loose, they will be irritating and ineffective, and may actually increase the chances of your child developing swimmer’s ear. Over-the-counter drying agents that contain rubbing alcohol, like Swim Ear, are also effective in preventing infections. You can also make your own drying agent by mixing equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. Whichever you choose to use, put a few drops in both your child’s ears after he or she goes swimming.

Treatments

If your child does develop swimmer’s ear, his or her pediatrician will probably prescribe antibiotic ear drops that may or may not contain steroids (to reduce inflammation and help the swelling go down faster). If ear drops are prescribed, your child must continue to use them for several days after symptoms abate or vanish, staying out of the water the whole time.
As a home remedy for mild cases of swimmer’s ear, some parents use a few drops of a half-strength vinegar mixture (one part water and one part white vinegar) twice a day. If in doubt, ask your pediatrician if she or he recommends this remedy for your child’s particular case. Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, may also be used to decrease pain and swelling until the ear drops begin to take effect.