What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)

Audience: pediatric

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal common in children who swim. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will usually explain the diagnosis and recommend treatment options, which often include ear drops to reduce infection and inflammation. The provider may also give advice on how to keep your child's ear dry and avoid irritants during healing. Follow-up care might be suggested if symptoms do not improve within a few days. It is important to watch for signs of worsening infection or complications, such as increased pain, fever, or swelling, which may require in-person care. Telemedicine can help manage many cases safely, but some situations need direct examination or emergency treatment. This guide helps families understand what to expect after a telemedicine visit for swimmer’s ear and how to care for their child at home.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe ear pain that worsens despite treatment — seek in-person care immediately.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) accompanying ear symptoms — contact healthcare provider urgently.
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the ear or face — get emergency medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of ear symptoms and history.
• Providing guidance on medication use and ear care.
• Monitoring symptom improvement through follow-up visits.
• Educating families about prevention and home care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or worsening infections needing physical examination.
• Cases with complications like abscess or spread of infection.
• Situations requiring ear cleaning or surgical intervention.
• Emergency conditions such as facial swelling or hearing loss.

Understanding Your Child’s Diagnosis

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the skin lining the ear canal. It often happens after water stays trapped in the ear, creating a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow. Symptoms include ear pain, itching, redness, and sometimes drainage. Your healthcare provider uses your description and sometimes a video or photo of the ear to make a diagnosis during the telemedicine visit.

Treatment Recommendations

Treatment usually involves prescription ear drops that fight infection and reduce inflammation. Your provider will explain how to give these drops safely. Sometimes pain relievers are suggested to help with discomfort. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve quickly.

Keeping the Ear Dry and Protected

To help healing, keep your child’s ear dry. Avoid swimming or getting water in the ear until the infection clears. Use ear plugs or a shower cap during bathing if needed. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal, as this can worsen irritation or infection.

When to Expect Improvement and Follow-Up Care

Most children start feeling better within a few days of treatment. If symptoms do not improve or get worse after 3 to 5 days, contact your healthcare provider. A follow-up telemedicine visit or in-person exam may be necessary to adjust treatment or check for complications.

Signs That Need Immediate Medical Attention

If your child develops severe pain, high fever, swelling around the ear or face, hearing loss, or dizziness, seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate a more serious infection that needs urgent treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit.
• Have your child’s symptoms and history ready to describe clearly.
• Prepare to show the child’s ear via video if possible.
• Have a list of current medications and allergies available.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Administer prescribed ear drops exactly as directed.
• Keep the child’s ear dry and avoid swimming or water exposure.
• Use pain relief medications if recommended.
• Monitor symptoms daily for improvement or worsening.
• Schedule or attend follow-up visits as advised by your provider.

FAQs

How soon should my child feel better after starting treatment?

Most children begin to feel better within 2 to 3 days of starting ear drops. However, it is important to complete the full treatment course even if symptoms improve early.

Can I prevent swimmer’s ear from coming back?

Yes. To reduce risk, keep ears dry after swimming or bathing, avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, and dry ears gently with a towel. Using ear plugs during swimming may also help.

Is it safe to treat swimmer’s ear with telemedicine?

Many cases of swimmer’s ear can be safely assessed and managed through telemedicine, especially when symptoms are mild to moderate. However, severe symptoms or complications require in-person care.

What should I do if my child’s symptoms get worse?

If your child has increased pain, fever, swelling, or other concerning signs, contact your healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation, which may include an in-person visit.

Sources

1. Otitis Externa — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear) - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Otitis Externa — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms are severe, worsen, or you have concerns, please seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional promptly.