Summer fun, preventing swimmer's ear Published Aug. 1, 2011 By Maj. Candice Burr 20th Aerospace Medicine Flight commander SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Summertime is here, and we've been enjoying the water again! Get the most out of your swimming season by following these small steps to prevent swimmer's ear pain (otitis exerna). 1. Tip the head from side to side to help drain each ear after getting water into the ear canal. 2. If water is still on the ear use a hair dryer set on cool and at the lowest speed. Hold the blow dryer several inches from the ear so that a "breeze" is created. 3. Use an over-the-counter solution to dry out the ear canal, for example Auro-Dri. This homemade solution can be created using equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. DO NOT use ear drops if there are ear tubes, damaged ear canal or ear drums, outer ear infections or ear drainage (puss or liquid coming from the ear). 4. Using ear plugs, bathing cap or an Aqua-Ear Band product can help keep water out while the child is swimming. Important facts about swimmer's ear: · Usually caused by a bacteria · Antibiotics with or without steroids are used to treat swimmer's ear. · If child has ear pain or swimmer's ear do not use preventive ear drops. They will irritate the ear and increase ear pain. Make an appointment with your Family Health or Pediatric Primary Care Manager (PCM) team. · Children can get swimmer's ear from bathing or showering. · Do not use objects in the ear (cotton-tip swabs, pencils, paperclips, pen tops or fingers) · Do not remove ear wax. Ear wax helps protect the ear canal from infection. If you think there is a blockage call your PCM team. If you have questions about swimmer's ear, consult your PCM team or visit the following website for more information. http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/rwi/illnesses/swimmers-ear.html