Newswise — Keep cool from the Texas heat this summer with a refreshing dip in a swimming pool- just remember to take care of your ears. Excess moisture can lead to swimmer's ear, which is an inflammation in the outer ear and ear canal.
"To avoid swimmer's ear, keep moisture out by using ear plugs or by drying the ears with a hair dryer set on low, and avoiding water that may be polluted," said Dr. Peter Roland, chief of otolaryngology, who helped craft national treatment guidelines. "Don't stick anything into the ears to get the water out, such as cotton swabs."
Otherwise, the skin in the canal can become flaky and allow harmful bacteria into the tissue. The result is an infection that's itchy and painful.
Swimmer's ear usually clears up in a few days with the use of an ear drop containing hydrocortisone to stop the itching and an antibiotic to stop the infection.
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