Swimmer's Ear

Caused by a combination of prolonged exposure to heat and moisture- a long swim on a hot day

Here are four things you can do:

1. Limit the time in the water for the child whose infection keeps coming back. The amount will have to be determined by trial and error but in most cases should be less than one hour

2. Let the ears dry completely for an hour or two before going back in the water. If your child is aware of water in the ear, have him or her shake the head to loosen the water and dry the ear with the corner of the towel. it's okay to take daily showers or baths so long as they are brief and the ears are dried afterwards.

3. Make a solution of equal parts of water and vinegar or vinegar and rubbing alcohol. put a few drops in each ear when the child gets up, after each swim, and at bedtime, and let the solution stay in the ear for at least five minutes each time.

if a swimmer's ear occurs.......

Keep the ear dry and make sure nothing is stuck in it that might cause injury. Dry it with a small lull of cotton. The cotton swabs on a stick are too big for this purpose.

After treatment begins, the child should stay out of the water for at least seven days. this depends on how quickly the pain, itching, and swelling goes away. It is premissible to shower or bathe daily and shampoo every other day if the ear is dried immediately afterwards and ear drops are used.