Swimmer’s Ear

“Swimmer’s Ear” is an infection of the ear and/or outer ear canal, which can cause the ear to itch or become red and inflamed. More common in children and young adults, movement or touching the ear can be extremely painful. Reduce your risk of getting Swimmer’s Ear:

• Dry your ears after swimming.
• Check with the pool staff about the chlorine and pH-testing program at the pool. Those with good control are unlikely to spread Swimmer’s Ear.
• Avoid swimming in locations that may have been closed because of pollution.
• Avoid putting objects (e.g. fingers, cotton swabs) in your ear that may scratch the ear canal and provide a site for infection.

Swimmer’s Ear can be treated with antibiotic eardrops – contact your doctor if you think you might have Swimmer’s Ear.

Swimmer’s Itch

“Swimmer’s Itch” is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to infection caused by certain parasites found in contaminated salt or fresh water. You may experience tingling, burning, or itching of the skin. Small reddish pimples may later occur and could develop into blisters. Swimmer’s itch cannot be spread from person-to-person, and most cases do not require medical attention. If you have a rash – try not to scratch as this may cause the rash to become infected. You may try the following for relief:

• Cool compresses
• Anti-itch lotion; calamine lotion
• Corticosteroid cream
• Apply a baking soda paste to the rash

Children are more likely to be affected because they swim, wade, and play in the shallow water (where the parasites are most often found) more than adults, and they do not towel dry themselves when leaving the water. To reduce the risk of swimmer’s itch:

• Avoid swimming in areas where swimmer’s itch is a known problem.
• Do not attract birds by feeding them in areas where people are swimming.
• Avoid swimming near or wading in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.
• Towel dry or shower immediately after leaving the water.

Source:pueblo