The canal may appear red and swollen. The main symptom is pain with movement of the ear or touching the ear or pushing on the area in front the ear. This is commonly called an outer ear infection, swimmer's ear or otitis externa. Swimmer's ear does not usually require an urgent call to the doctor after-hours. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used for pain in the middle of the night.
Antibiotic ear drops.
If your child has a swimmer's ear, presciption antibiotic drops with or without steriods in the drops are usually prescribed. Occasionally, oral antibiotics will be used in severe cases or will be prescribed if there is an accompanying middle ear infection. Drops are usually used for 5 days and the child should not swim or get water in the ear during this time. This helps to dry the ear canal and creates acidity where bacteria will not grow as easily. Drops may be made at home by combining half vinegar and half rubbing alcohol.