Prevent swimmers ear in your toddler

Renowned swimming legend, Olympic champion and SwimSeal ambassador, Ryk Neethling, says that considering our water-orientated lifestyle in South Africa, it’s a pity that so many South Africans suffer negative effects from their time spent in the water.

Swimmers ear, which is an external inflammation of the outer ear canal caused by trapped fluid, is a painful affliction suffered by people of all ages. “Not many people realise that it’s not just an extended period in the swimming pool that leads to swimmers ear – you can easily contract swimmers ear from submerging your head in the bath,” says Neethling.

Neethling says that he recommends that parents consider a barrier product for use with their children at bath time. “It just takes one dip for liquid to get into the ear. Prevention is the best way to avoid infections.”

Ryk recommends South African brand SwimSeal – supplier of protective ear drops that create a barrier in the ear, preventing any fluid passing through. Jessica McArthur, brand manager for SwimSeal says that the product leaves the ear naturally after a period of time and doesn’t affect hearing or balance in any way.

“The SwimSeal product was developed by Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) specialists and is a proven formula for the prevention of ear infections as a result of water exposure. SwimSeal is now on offer in a variety of international markets as more and more parents and swimmers realise the benefits of prevention, rather than treatment.”

SwimSeal contains no alcohol and can be used on babies, children and adults of all ages. “Protecting your young children from any pain relating to bath time is important for a healthy routine as they grow older,” says McArthur.

For more information on SwimSeal visit www.swimseal.com or like SwimSeal on Facebook – www.facebook.com/swimseal.