Health Tip: Prevent Swimmer's Ear

(HealthDay News) -- Swimmer's ear occurs when water builds up in the ear, causing an infection of the outer ear canal. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness and draining pus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to help prevent swimmer's ear:

  • Keep water out of your ears while swimming by using ear plugs or a bathing cap.
  • Thoroughly dry your ears when you're finished swimming. Tilt your head in each direction, pull gently on your earlobe and pat dry with a towel.
  • Never insert anything (such as a finger or cotton swab) into the ear.
  • Use a blow-dryer on its lowest setting to completely dry your ears.
  • Don't try to remove any ear wax yourself. Seek the help of a physician.

    • Date Published: 06/16/2011

    Related Articles

    Search Articles

    Your Nose May Decide How Bad Your Cold Gets, Study Finds

    New Flu Strain Weakened This Year’s Vaccine Protection, CDC Says

    New Trial Shows Pfizer’s mRNA Flu Shot Beats Traditional Flu Vaccine

    They Spent Hours In A Room Full Of Flu Patients And Walked Out Healthy — Here's How

    Childhood Flu Shots Prevent Millions of Cases, Study Finds

    Breakdown In Federal Health Tracking Leaves U.S. Vulnerable To Outbreaks, Pandemics, Experts Warn