Swimmer s Ear can be confused with a middle ear infection, especially when your Pediatrician is not able to see your child s ear drum.
Treatments for Swimmer s EarOnce your child has Swimmer s Ear, it is not the time to put alcohol based ear drops, which are often used to prevent Swimmer s Ear. They will likely burn and make your child s ear feel even worse. Instead, Swimmer s Ear is usually treated with antibiotic5 ear drops, either with or without added steroids .Common otic drops that are used to treat Swimmer s Ear include:
Ciprodex* Cipro HC* Cortane-B* Cortisporin* Domeboro Otic Floxin Vosol Vosol HC* *antibiotic ear drops that include a steroid.Although expensive, Floxin, Ciprodex, and Cipro HC, are most commonly prescribed, as they have less side effects, can be used just twice a day, and may provide better coverage6 against the bacteria that cause Swimmer s Ear.
For mild cases of Swimmer s Ear, you might ask your Pediatrician if you can first try a solution of half strength white vinegar ear drops twice a day.
Pain relievers, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also be used to to reduce your child s pain until his ear drops start working.
If there is enough swelling7, so that ear drops can t get into your child s ear, your Pediatrician may place an ear wick inside his ear canal.
Prevention of Swimmer s EarIn general, you can prevent Swimmer s Ear by keeping water out of your kids ears. Fortunately, that doesn t mean that your kids can swim and enjoy the water. Instead, use an over-the-counter ear drying agent that contains isopropyl alcohol , such as Auro-Dri or Swim Ear, or one with acetic8 acid and aluminum9 acetate .If you like, you might also create your own homemade Swimmer s Ear prevention solution by mixing equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar, and putting it in your child s ears after he swims.
Although some experts think that earplugs are irritating and can lead to Swimmer s Ear, you can also keep water out of your kids ears by using a barrier, like earplugs, including Mack s AquaBlock Earplugs or their Pillow Soft silicone Earplugs. If your kids have a hard time keeping their earplugs in, consider also using the Aqua-Earband or Ear Band-It neoprene swimmer s headband.
What You Need To KnowSwimmer s Ear is usually caused by an infection with the Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.