Few places invite you to spend the whole day in the water like Punta Cana: beaches, pools, snorkeling and diving trips. That is why, in our daily practice, we frequently see a problem that can easily spoil a vacation: otitis externa, better known as “swimmer’s ear”.
What is otitis externa?
It is an infection of the skin lining the ear canal, the passage that runs from the opening of the ear to the eardrum. Although it is very common in swimmers, it can affect anyone.
Why does it happen?
The skin of the ear canal is delicate. When it is irritated, scratched or stays damp for too long, bacteria find an ideal environment to grow. The most common triggers are:
- Frequent swimming in the sea or pool: water softens the skin and makes it more vulnerable.
- Using cotton swabs, fingernails or other objects to “clean” the ear.
- Removing too much earwax (wax actually protects the ear).
- Prolonged use of hearing aids, earbuds or earplugs that rub the skin.
Symptoms to watch for
- Ear pain that gets worse when you touch or gently pull the outer ear.
- Itching inside the ear.
- Fluid or pus draining from the ear.
- A blocked feeling or reduced hearing.
How is it diagnosed?
No lab tests are needed. The doctor makes the diagnosis based on your symptoms and by examining the ear with an otoscope. Sometimes the doctor will gently clean the ear canal so the treatment works better.
Treatment
The usual treatment is ear drops prescribed by your doctor, along with pain relievers. Tips for applying them correctly:
- Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
- In adults, gently pull the ear up and back; in children, down and back. This straightens the canal so the drops reach deeper.
- Stay in that position for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Finish the full course of treatment, even if you feel better sooner.
Care while it heals
- Keep the ear dry. Avoid swimming for about 7 to 10 days.
- When showering, you can protect the ear opening with a cotton ball coated with a little petroleum jelly, without pushing it into the canal.
- Do not use hearing aids or earbuds, or put anything in the ear, until symptoms improve.
How to prevent it (without giving up the beach)
- Do not put cotton swabs or other objects in your ears. If you are concerned about earwax, see your doctor.
- After swimming, tilt your head to drain the water, or dry your ears with a hair dryer on the lowest setting, held at a distance.
- Ask at the pharmacy about over-the-counter drying ear drops to use after swimming.
- If you swim often, use clean earplugs in good condition.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical care if symptoms get worse at any time or do not improve after about 6 days of treatment. Also seek care if you have fever, severe pain, swelling spreading to the face or neck, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
On Call Medical Assistance can see you at your hotel, villa or residence in Punta Cana and Bávaro, so an ear problem doesn’t interrupt your vacation. Contact us.
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace evaluation by a healthcare professional. Reference: UpToDate, Patient education: Outer ear infection (The Basics), 2026.
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