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Symptom Checker

Swimmer's Ear

Swimmer’s ear is inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal. It can cause ear pain, itching, drainage and tenderness when the outer ear is touched.

Water trapped in the ear canal, scratching, cotton swabs and other irritation can damage the skin and allow bacteria or fungi to grow.

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AAP Guide to Swimmer's Ear

The AAP guide below explains the symptoms, treatment and ways to help prevent another episode.

AAP Symptom CheckerSwimmer's ear

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Symptom CheckerSwimmer's ear New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Ear pain is significant or continues to worsen.
  • Drainage, fever or swelling around the ear develops.
  • Your child has diabetes, a weakened immune system or another condition that raises infection risk.
  • Symptoms are not improving with treatment.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Swelling or infection is spreading rapidly beyond the ear.
  • Your child appears severely ill or has another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on ears, nose, mouth and teeth

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms