Specialties & Conditions Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's Ear in Kids: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Specialty
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is a common outer ear infection in children. It affects the ear canal, the passage between the outer ear and the eardrum.
This condition often develops when water gets trapped in the ear, creating a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow.
Despite the name, kids don’t have to swim to get swimmer’s ear — it can also happen after bathing or from irritation inside the ear.
What Causes Swimmer’s Ear in Kids?
The most common cause is moisture in the ear canal, especially after swimming or bathing.
Other causes include:
- Scratches or irritation inside the ear
- Skin conditions like eczema
- Trapped earwax or debris
- These factors can break down the ear’s natural protective barrier, making infection more likely.
Who Is Most at Risk for Swimmer’s Ear?
Children may be at higher risk if they:
- Swim frequently (especially in lakes or pools)
- Don’t fully dry their ears after water exposure
- Use earbuds, hearing aids or tight swim caps
- Have narrow ear canals or sensitive skin
Swimmer’s ear is especially common in school-age children and teens during summer months.
Signs and Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear in Kids
Common symptoms of swimmer’s ear include:
- Ear pain (worse when touching or pulling the ear)
- Itching inside the ear canal
- Redness or swelling of the outer ear
- Drainage (clear, yellow or pus-like fluid)
- Feeling of fullness or blocked ear
- Mild hearing changes
Unlike middle ear infections, fever is usually not present.
How Is Swimmer’s Ear Treated?
Prescription Treatment
Most children with swimmer’s ear need treatment from a healthcare provider. This may include:
- Antibiotic ear drops to treat infection
- Steroid ear drops to reduce swelling and pain
- Oral antibiotics (rare, for severe cases)
With proper treatment, symptoms often improve within 2–3 days and resolve in about 7–10 days.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Options
OTC treatments can help with symptom relief or prevention:
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Drying ear drops (for prevention only)
- Vinegar/alcohol-based drops (only if recommended by a provider)
Do not use OTC ear drops if your child has ear tubes or a known eardrum perforation unless advised by a doctor.
What You Can Do for Your Child Before Treatment
To help relieve symptoms and prevent worsening:
- Keep the ear dry (avoid swimming)
- Use pain relievers as directed
- Do not insert anything into the ear
- Gently dry the outside of the ear only
These steps can help reduce discomfort until treatment begins.
When to See a Doctor
You should contact your child’s healthcare provider if:
- Ear pain is moderate to severe
- There is fluid or pus draining from the ear
- Symptoms don’t improve within 24–48 hours
- Your child has swelling, worsening pain, or hearing loss
Prompt treatment helps prevent complications and speeds recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swimmer’s Ear
Mild irritation may improve without treatment, but most cases require prescription ear drops to fully clear the infection and prevent worsening.
No. Swimmer’s ear is not contagious. It develops from moisture and irritation in the ear, not from person-to-person spread.
Avoid:
- Putting cotton swabs, fingers, or objects in the ear
- Swimming or getting the ear wet during treatment
- Using non-prescribed ear drops
These can worsen irritation and delay healing.
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