EAR, SWIMMER'S

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Main Symptoms

• An infection of the skin that lines the ear canal.
• Itchy and somewhat painful ear canal.
• Currently engaged in swimming.
• Discomfort when the ear is moved up and down.
• The ear feels plugged.
• Discharge is slight in amount and clear.

Causes

• When water repeatedly gets trapped in the ear canal, the lining becomes wet and swollen.  This makes it prone to superficial infection (swimmer's ear).  Ear canals were meant to be dry.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Doesn't look like swimmer's ear, see EARACHE or EAR CONGESTION.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

• Ear Congestion
• Earache

View Anatomic Index of Topics