DALLAS, June 9 (UPI) -- Many U.S. children and adults will cool off this summer by a refreshing dip in a swimming pool, but excess moisture can lead to swimmer's ear.
Swimmer's ear is an inflammation in the outer ear and ear canal, according to Dr. Peter Roland, chief of otolaryngology of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
"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 Roland, who helped craft national treatment guidelines for swimmer's ear. "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, resulting in an infection that's itchy and painful, says Roland.
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.
