Fast, Convenient Swimmer’s Ear Treatment Available Daily in Cape May Court House, NJ
Swimmer’s ear is a type of ear infection that becomes quite common every summer in New Jersey, as local residents and tourists flock to the beaches and spend time in the water. If you or your child develops symptoms of an ear infection while in the Cape May Court House area, you can seek speedy treatment at Cape Regional Urgent Care with no need to make an appointment. Our walk-in clinic is open during extended hours every day of the week, and our wait times are short.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Unlike the more common middle ear infection that’s associated with respiratory illnesses, swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal. Known to medical professionals as otitis externa, this health condition gets its nickname from its most common cause: a waterlogged ear. Prolonged exposure to water can wear down the ear’s natural wax barrier and soften the skin, thus increasing the ear canal’s vulnerability to bacterial or fungal growth.
However, swimmer’s ear doesn’t always result from water in the ear. Any break in the outer ear’s lining can lead to this type of infection. Abrasions are often caused by using cotton-tip ear swabs or simply scratching the ear.
What Are Some Common Swimmer’s Ear Symptoms?
Young children are especially prone to ear infections. Some signs that your child may have swimmer’s ear include pulling on the earlobe or pressing on the tragus, the small protrusion of cartilage in front of the outer ear canal. Other common symptoms include:
- An earache, sometimes quite painful
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Tender or enlarged lymph nodes
- A yellowish discharge that can fill the ear canal and affect hearing
Swimmer’s ear often responds well to over-the-counter ear drops and pain relievers; however, you should stay out of the water and avoid touching the ear until your symptoms subside. The board-certified physicians at Cape Regional Urgent Care can provide a swift diagnosis and treatment that can speed up your recovery and let you get back to enjoying your vacation or other everyday activities.
Contact Cape Regional Urgent Care today if you have questions about the swimmer’s ear treatment or other nonemergency medical services available at our walk-in clinic in Cape May Court House.
