As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your child’s health and wellbeing.

One common ear infection that can affect children is external otitis, also known as “swimmer’s ear.” This condition is caused by inflammation of the outer ear canal and can be very painful if left untreated.

What Causes External Otitis?

External otitis is typically caused by excess moisture in the ear canal. This can occur when your child swims or bathes frequently, or if they sweat excessively. Bacteria or fungi can then grow in the moist environment, leading to infection.

Other factors that can increase your child’s risk of developing external otitis include:.

Having an injury in or around the ear canal
Using objects to clean the inside of the ear, such as cotton swabs or bobby pins
Living in a hot or humid climate
Having allergies or eczema

What Are the Symptoms of External Otitis?

If your child has external otitis, they may experience the following symptoms:.

Pain or discomfort in the ear
Itching inside the ear
Redness and swelling in the ear canal
Drainage from the ear
Difficulty hearing

If you notice these symptoms in your child, it’s important to schedule an appointment with their pediatrician. If left untreated, external otitis can lead to a more serious infection in the ear or even damage to the ear canal or eardrum.

How Is External Otitis Treated?

Your child’s pediatrician will conduct an exam of their ear to determine if they have external otitis. If they do, they may prescribe ear drops or other medications to help reduce inflammation and fight infection.

In severe cases, your child may need to take oral antibiotics to clear up the infection.

In addition to medication, there are also several lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent external otitis from recurring.

Encourage your child to wear earplugs or a swim cap when swimming, and make sure they dry their ears thoroughly after bathing or swimming. You should also discourage your child from inserting any objects into their ear canal, as this can cause further irritation or injury.

When to Seek Emergency Care

In some cases, external otitis can cause complications that require emergency medical attention. If your child experiences any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care:.

Fever
Intense pain in the ear or surrounding area
Dizziness or loss of balance
Swelling in the face or neck
Difficulty opening their mouth or swallowing

These symptoms may indicate a more serious infection or complication and require immediate medical attention.

Preventing External Otitis

The best way to prevent external otitis is to keep your child’s ears clean and dry. This includes:.

Encouraging your child to dry their ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
Not allowing your child to share towels or earbuds with others who may have an infection
Encouraging your child to wear earplugs or a swim cap when swimming
Avoiding the use of cotton swabs or other objects to clean the inside of the ear

By taking these precautions, you can help protect your child from the pain and discomfort of external otitis.

Conclusion

External otitis is a common ear infection that can cause pain and discomfort for children. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition, you can help protect your child’s health and wellbeing.

If you suspect that your child may have external otitis, make sure to schedule an appointment with their pediatrician as soon as possible.