External ear infection (swimmer’s ear) is an infection of the ear canal down to the eardrum, which may affect the middle ear space as well. Moisture trapped within the ear canal damages the skin and encourages the growth of bacteria or fungi. The main symptom is ear pain, which often begins gradually and increases with continued exposure to water. Mild soreness of the ear may be treated with drying alcohol-based ear drops (Swim Ear). If the pain is persistent or an unusual discharge is noted from the ear, the child should be examined.