The ear canal is the tube that ends at the eardrum. This is where wax build-up occurs. When the ear canal is exposed to water from baths or swimming, the ear canal which is simply skin, may become infected with bacteria. The canal may appear red and swollen. The main symptom is pain with movement of the ear or touching the ear or pushing on the area in front the ear. This is commonly called an outer ear infection, swimmer's ear or otitis externa.

• Swimmer's ear does not usually require an urgent call to the doctor after-hours. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for pain in the middle of the night.

Antibiotic ear drops. If your child has a swimmer's ear, presciption antibiotic drops with or without steriods in the drops are usually prescribed. If the case of a severe swimmer's ear, the physician may place a "wick" which is like a piece of cotton for a few days, so the drops will stay in the ear canal better and reach deeper into the ear canal. Occasionally, oral antibiotics will be used in severe cases or will be prescribed if there is an accompanying middle ear infection. Drops are usually used for 5 days and the child should not swim or get water in the ear during this time.

Prevention. Some children are prone to swimmer's ear and there are over-the-counter drops that may be used after swimming to help prevent swimmer's ear. This helps to dry the ear canal and creates acidity where bacteria will not grow as easily. Drops may be made at home by combining half vinegar and half rubbing alcohol.

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