1 Sun Protection:
Swimmer’s Ear:
■ A majority of skin cancers occur in the head and neck region. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your ears before enjoying time outdoors. Damage from the sun's UV rays is cumulative - you will reap what you sow later in life! Blistering sunburns in childhood can significantly increase the risk of skin cancers as an adult. So parents, please protect your children! If possible avoid outdoor recreational activities during times of peak UV exposure (10am – 4pm). Use an SPF 50 sunscreen and reapply hourly if in the sun. Don’t forget sun protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats which provide an additional layer of sun protection - especially for those exposed ears!
For those prone to recurrent otitis externa, the use of water-safe earplugs or swim caps while swimming may help.
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Suwanee Magazine
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suwaneemagazine.com
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MAY / JUNE 18
■ Otitis externa or "swimmer's ear" is a bacterial or fungal infection of the ear canal skin that occurs more commonly during the warm and humid summer months. Water activities that introduce excess moisture into the ears may precipitate an infection. Breaks in the skin from vigorous ear cleaning with Q-tips can also lead to infections. Symptoms include ear pain, drainage, itching and even hearing loss. Medical treatment involves cleaning the ear canal to remove accumulated debris and sloughed skin, and prescription eardrops. In severe cases, the ear canal may be so swollen that drops cannot pass without the placement of a "wick" by a physician. Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to prevent these types of ear infections. Eardrops containing rubbing alcohol can be used to help dry excess moisture in the ears after swimming, but should never be used in the case of an existing eardrum perforation or in people with ear tubes (tympanostomy) as they are not safe for the middle ear. Q-tips should be avoided. If you develop signs and symptoms of otitis externa, prompt medical attention can provide quick and effective relief.