Why does your ear always hurt after swimming at the pool or in the warmer humid months? Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa is the culprit! It’s an unwelcoming infection that sets up camp in your outer ear canal. Whether you're a water enthusiast or just caught in a sweat-soaked moment, excess moisture can create a perfect breeding ground for pesky bacteria and fungi.
AFC Urgent Care New Bedford is here to help you navigate swimmer’s ear and steps to avoid it, treatment options and more!
How Do You Get Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer's ear, medically known as otitis externa, is an infection of the ear canal caused by bacteria or fungi. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe. In the initial stages, you may experience mild signs such as itching in your ear canal or slight redness inside your ear.
As the infection progresses, the symptoms intensify. You might experience more intense itching, increasing pain, redness, swelling, and itchiness of the outer ear. Other symptoms can include discharge from the ear and temporary hearing loss, indicating the severity of the infection.
Should You Cover Your Ears At The Pool To Avoid Swimmer’s Ear?
Avoid the swimmer's ear undertow by following these ingenious preventive measures:
- Dry Shoreline: After swimming or showering, lovingly towel or blow-dry your ears on a low setting. Tilt your head from side to side, helping water make a quick exit.
- Say No to Ear Intruders: Leave the cotton swabs and bobby pins for art projects. They may seem harmless, but they can cause trouble by irritating your ears and boosting the infection risk.
- Earplug Heroes: Unleash the power of earplugs! Wear them like a superhero when swimming or taking a dip, preventing water from sneaking into your ear canal.
- Moisture Maneuvers: Outsmart swimmer's ear by minimizing extended swims in untreated water and dodging humid environments like a ninja.
AFC Urgent Care New Bedford Is Here To Treat Your Swimmer’s Ear!
When the waves get rough, trust AFC Urgent Care New Bedford to ride to your rescue.
- Expertise: Our knowledgeable healthcare professionals are well-versed in swimmer's ear prevention.
- Speedy Solutions: If swimmer's ear strikes, count on us for prompt and effective treatment options that will send discomfort packing and restore your ear's harmony.
- Ongoing urgent care: Stay ahead of the game with preventive check-ups and consultations. Our experts will ensure your ears stay beach-ready and protected against the lurking swimmer's ear.
We are open 7 days a week! With a simple click, you can easily book an appointment and conveniently pay your bills online. And don't worry, we also accept walk-ins too!
