Swimmers Ear is an inflammation of the ear canal by bacterial or fungal infection. It is usually a result of using objects such as cotton swabs in the ear canal which irritation and remove the protective wax.
Infection can then develop following prolonged retention of water from swimming or bathing.
Symptoms range from the ear feeling blocked and itchy right up to it swelling shut and oozing a milky liquid. Glands in the neck may also become swollen. Swimmers Ear can be prevented by using antiseptic eardrops whenever you feel that water is trapped in your ears. Such eardrops are inexpensive and are sold without prescription under various trade names such as Aqua Ear, Ear Magic, Swim Ear, etc. If your ear doctor says you have normal eardrums, and if he says it is safe, you could make up your own eardrops to use after swimming.