What are the symptoms of swimmers ear?
The first symptom of infection is that the ear may feel full and it may itch. Next, the ear canal will swell and ear drainage will follow. At this stage the ear will be very painful, especially the outside portion of the ear. The ear canal can swell shut and the side of the face can become swollen. Finally the glands of the neck may enlarge, making it difficult or painful to open the jaw, it may also affect hearing in the infected ear. What is the treatment for swimmers ear? Regardless of the cause, irritation and moisture will prolong the course of the infection, so the ear should be kept dry. While showering or swimming use an ear plug ( one that is designed to keep water out), or use cotton with vaseline on the outside. Do not use cotton buds as this will cause further irritation. A hearing aid should be left out as much as possible until swelling and discharge stops. The most common treatment consists of ear drops containing antibiotics with corticosteroids to reduce inflamation. O
