Swimmer’s Ear: Summer’s Most Common Ear Infection
Spending time at the pool, lake, or beach this summer? While it’s a fun way to beat the heat, all that water exposure can lead to an annoying and painful condition known as swimmer’s ear.
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an outer ear infection caused by water getting trapped in the ear canal, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
Common Symptoms:
- Itching in the ear canal
- Redness and swelling of the outer ear
- Pain when touching or pulling the ear
- Drainage of clear or yellowish fluid
- A feeling of fullness or muffled hearing
If left untreated, swimmer’s ear can get worse quickly. Severe cases may lead to increased pain, fever, and even temporary hearing loss.
When to Visit Urgent Care:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait it out. At Expedite Urgent Care, we treat swimmer’s ear fast. Our providers will examine your ear and may prescribe antibiotic ear drops or pain relievers to get you feeling better quickly.
How to Prevent It:
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming or showering
- Tilt your head to each side to help drain water
- Avoid inserting anything (like cotton swabs) into your ears
- Use over-the-counter drying drops if you’re prone to swimmer’s ear
Enjoy your summer without the pain. If swimmer’s ear strikes, visit Expedite Urgent Care for quick, compassionate treatment!
Expedite Urgent Care
135 W Shaw #102 Fresno, CA 93704
(559) 500-0217
Monday-Sunday | 9am-9pm