Itchy Ears After Swimming: Eczema, Irritation or Swimmer's Ear?
Itching around the ear after a swim has several possible explanations. Dry skin on the outer ear is different from pain or drainage inside the ear canal. A healthcare professional can determine whether eczema, irritation, swimmer's ear or another condition is involved.
What is swimmer's ear?
CDC describes swimmer's ear as an infection of the outer ear canal that can occur when water remains in the ear. Symptoms can include pain when the outer ear is tugged or when pressure is applied to the small area in front of the canal, itching, drainage, redness and swelling. Contact a healthcare professional if you have ear pain or drainage.
| What you notice | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Water in an otherwise comfortable ear | Tilt the head to let water drain and gently dry the outside with a towel. |
| Itching or a rash on outer skin | Discuss a persistent or recurrent rash with a clinician; note goggle straps and products that contact the area. |
| Pain, drainage or swelling | Seek medical evaluation; avoid self-treating the ear canal. |
| Ear tubes, a perforated eardrum or drainage | Do not use ear-drying drops without your clinician's direction. |
Keep objects and creams out of the ear canal
Do not put cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal or try to remove earwax. CDC recommends asking a healthcare professional about ear-drying drops, and advises against them when there are ear tubes, a punctured eardrum, swimmer's ear or drainage.
For suitable intact skin on the outside of the body, follow the product label and your clinician's guidance. Do not place a skin moisturizer inside the ear canal or use it as treatment for swimmer's ear.
Dr. Arsy Hydration Recovery Moisturizer #003 is a fragrance-free moisturizer for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Use according to its label and your skin's tolerance. It is not a substitute for prescribed medicine or a treatment for an infection.
After the pool
Dry the outside of the ears gently and keep personal towels separate. Note whether a swim cap, goggle strap, hair product or cleanser touches the affected skin. Seek help for a new rash that persists or for any ear pain, discharge or worsening swelling.
Explore our goggle and eyelid guide and after-pool moisturizing guide.
Sources and further reading
- CDC: prevention and symptoms of swimmer's ear.
- NIAMS / NIH: atopic dermatitis care.
- Swimming and atopic dermatitis: evidence review; PubMed.
Educational information from Dr. Arsy, not individual medical advice. Cited organizations and researchers do not endorse this product.