Hi everyone,
I was just wandering if anyone has any ideas whether my 9 yr old daughter has some kind of medical condition. When she goes swimming with her school she always complains that her ear on 1 side was hurting and very painful. I remember when she was a baby and growing up bathtime was always fun for her until it come to washing her hair, and she would scream the house down,if even a little drop went near her left ear(right ear is fine it does'nt bother her). As the only time she complains of her ear I don't know whether it is something that should be looked at or if it is common when water goes in the ear sometimes. Any help would be appreciated immenseley. Thanx in advance
Sunny D xxx

It is called swimmer's ear, and it is very common. You can get drops for it at your local drug store. It can lead to an infection of the ear canal, so if the drops dont help, contact the doctor. -note- showers and baths (with head submerged) can lead to the same problem. Ear plugs would probably help.

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Angel, et al

Thanx Angel,
that is great advice I will go to the chemist today and ask about the drops in time for her swimming lesson tomorrow.
Thanx again
Sunny D xxx

I would not put anything in her ear until a doctor looks at it and approves.

It's possible that she has a punctured or perforated eardrum. Those swimmers drops have alcohol in them.

I had a punctured eardrum as a child and developed a serious infection. It took a long time to heal and I had to absolutely keep all water out, even using plugs of cotton and vaseline for showers and no swimming ever!

Please have her ear examined before putting anything in them!

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~p

I got your reply in time thanx, i will do. Did it only ever happen to you when in water though, as she never complains other wise. She says her swimming cap goes over her ears so that helps sometimes, but I thought maybe there is an under lying problem as I had'nt noticed it still happens 'cos she's been bathing herself for a few years.Thanx for the help, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
Sunny D

The ear should be checked by the doc to be sure there is no perforation of the eardrum. The ear plugs or that moldable ear wax is recommended to help keep the water out of her ears. If she does get water in her ears then use the drops once the doc says her ears are ok.

Deffinately have the doctor check the ear! Since your daughter says the swim cap helps sometimes, Silicone ear plugs may work until you know from the Doctor that there is no perferation. They are great you (or your daughter)can mold them to her ears. They must be put in while dry, they just don't stick right if the body is already wet.
If this does end up being swimmers ear, DON'T use the OTC ear drops!!!!!! I have had ear problems since I was very young and I used to (before having children) run a swimming pool. The OTC drops are very very harsh, and contain mostly alcohol!
Try instead this home remedy (given to me by my ear doctor!) In a small squirty bottle (one that will allow drops to come out of it)mix 1 part distilled water, 1 part 90% by volume rubbing alcohol, 1 part white vinegar. DO NOT SQUIRT SOLUTION INTO EARS EVER!!!! Shake well before application. Place one to two drops in affected ear.

The Alcohol will help dry up any water, you can usually feel it being. The vinegar helps to give back the natural balance of the ear - taken away by the alcohol.

I use this remedy even after showers! It has been a lifesaver!!! Hope this helps!