With the hot weather here, the outdoor pools opened in NYC, swimmer’s ear unfortunately will be a factor for some kids and adults.
What is swimmer’s ear? Plain and simple- It is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by water or moister remaining after swimming, showers, hairsprays etc. The natural wax in your ear protects you but if you aggressively clean out to much of the wax, the water soften up the remaining wax. Now you have created the perfect moist environment for the bacteria to grow. You will have some discomfort to very bad pain. In addition, a fever, fluid drainage and a decrease in hearing due to the swollen canal as an extreme case may occur.
The best way to combat this problem is to take some preventive measures after swimming and showering.
· Tilt your head to one side, GENTLY tug on your ear or hop up and down on one leg. You will feel the water move out of the ear. Yes, you may look funny and silly but it works!
· Towel dry your ears
· Keep your natural ear wax
· If you do get the start of an infection, seek out medical advice. An old remedy is a drop of vinegar drops or half vinegar – half rubbing alcohol drops on a cotton Q-Tip into your ear. Please make sure you are lying down so the DROP can enter the ear.
Enjoy the summer and don’t forget the keep those ears dry. See you in the water!
