GETTING WATER IN BABY'S / CHILD'S EAR

Water in the ear does not cause ear infections. Ear infections are caused by germs that enter the ear through the back of the nose or throat. Water in the ear can cause an infection of the skin lining the ear canal, however. This is called swimmer‘s ear, and is very uncommon in babies and toddlers, even those who spend a lot of time in water.

Bacteria normally live in the ear canal with no ill effect. If the ear is wet for a long period of time, the skin can become prunelike in the same way one‘s fingers and toes become soft and wrinkled when waterlogged. Bacteria can easily move into the soft skin. Tiny scratches in the ear canal (usually from sticking a finger or some other object into the ear) also leave the skin vulnerable to infection. The skin can even be breached if the ear becomes extraordinarily dry and the skin cracks.

To prevent swimmer’s ear, make sure the ears are completely dry after they get wet. Turning the head back and forth and gently pulling the ear in different directions helps drain water from the ear. Using a towel, dry the opening of the ear very carefully as far as you can reach (never penetrate the inside of the ear with the towel or smaller objects).

To prevent swimmer’s ear, put a few drops of rubbing alcohol in the ear each time it becomes wet. Another good alternative is a few drops of white vinegar; the acetic acid inhibits the growth of bacteria in the skin.