Health Tip: Prevent Swimmer's Ear

(HealthDay News) -- Swimmer's ear occurs when water builds up in the ear, causing an infection of the outer ear canal. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness and draining pus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to help prevent swimmer's ear:

  • Keep water out of your ears while swimming by using ear plugs or a bathing cap.
  • Thoroughly dry your ears when you're finished swimming. Tilt your head in each direction, pull gently on your earlobe and pat dry with a towel.
  • Never insert anything (such as a finger or cotton swab) into the ear.
  • Use a blow-dryer on its lowest setting to completely dry your ears.
  • Don't try to remove any ear wax yourself. Seek the help of a physician.

    • Date Published: 06/16/2011

    Related Articles

    Search Articles

    Antibiotics Probably Won't Ease Your Cough, Even If Infection is Bacterial: Study

    Can Zinc Really Shorten a Cold?

    FDA Proposes Ban on a 'Useless' Decongestant, Phenylephrine

    Experimental Nasal Spray Might Ward Off Multiple Viruses

    Antibiotics Probably Won't Ease Your Cough, Even If Infection is Bacterial: Study

    How To Fight Common Wintertime Respiratory Viruses

    Experimental Nasal Spray Might Ward Off Multiple Viruses

    Local Outbreaks Can Motivate The Vaccine-Hesitant, Poll Finds

    Americans Still Consider COVID Major Public Health Threat

    Blood Test May Help Predict How Long Immunity Lasts

    'Dual Mutant' Seasonal Flu Virus Could Make Some Treatments Ineffective