Swimming is one of the best ways to stay active and catch some fun in Lagos, but if you’ve ever felt your ear ache, itch, or feel “blocked” after swimming, you might have had a swimmer’s ear infection.
At Mascot Healthcare Clinic, we sometimes see patients with ear infections linked to swimming. The good news is that most of these infections are preventable with a few simple precautions.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear (also called otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal — the passage that runs from your ear opening to your eardrum.
It happens when water stays trapped in the ear, creating a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow.
This can occur in swimming pools, beaches, or even during bathing.
Common Symptoms
- Itching or discomfort inside the ear
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Fluid or pus discharge
- Pain when touching or pulling the ear
- Reduced hearing (due to blockage by swelling or debris)
If you notice these symptoms after swimming, it’s important to get checked promptly.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Frequent swimmers (especially in untreated or unclean water)
- Children and teenagers
- People who clean ears aggressively with cotton buds
- Those using hearing aids or earplugs regularly
Simple Ways to Prevent Ear Infections from Swimming
- Keep your ears dry:
After swimming, tilt your head to each side to help water drain out. You can gently dry the outer ear with a towel. - Avoid inserting objects:
Don’t use cotton buds or sharp objects to clean your ears — they can injure the canal and make infection easier. - Use earplugs or swim caps:
These can help prevent water from entering the ear canal while swimming. - Use drying drops (if recommended):
A few drops of a mild alcohol–vinegar ear solution after swimming can help dry the ears and prevent bacterial growth.
(Avoid this if you have a perforated eardrum or chronic ear problems.) - Swim in clean water:
Poorly treated pools or contaminated water sources can harbor bacteria that cause infections. - Avoid swimming when you already have an ear infection:
Water exposure can worsen inflammation and delay healing.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent ear pain or discharge
- Hearing loss
- Swelling around the ear
- Fever or spreading redness
Prompt treatment helps prevent complications such as chronic infection or damage to the ear canal.
How Mascot Healthcare Can Help
At Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka, Lagos, our medical team provides:
✅ Ear examination and infection diagnosis
✅ Professional ear cleaning and treatment
✅ Personalized prevention advice for swimmers and families
Enjoy your swim — but protect your ears!
With simple preventive care and quick medical attention when symptoms appear, you can keep ear infections at bay and continue enjoying Lagos’s beautiful pools and beaches safely.
Mascot Healthcare Clinic
No. 52, Sholanke Street, Akoka, Lagos