Phuket’s beaches, pools, and water activities are a major highlight for travellers. Swimming, snorkelling, diving, and boat trips are part of everyday life here. However, prolonged exposure to water especially in a hot, humid climate can sometimes lead to an uncomfortable and painful condition known as swimmer’s ear.
Swimmer’s ear, medically referred to as otitis externa, is a common ear infection that affects the outer ear canal. At Patong Medical Clinic, we provide professional swimmer’s ear treatment in Phuket, helping travellers recover quickly and comfortably so they can return to enjoying their holiday without pain or complications.
What Is Swimmer’s Ear?
Swimmer’s ear occurs when water becomes trapped inside the ear canal. This moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria or fungi to grow, leading to inflammation and infection.
In tropical destinations like Phuket, swimmer’s ear is particularly common due to:
- Frequent swimming in the sea or pools
- Warm, humid weather
- Saltwater and sand exposure
- Improper ear drying after water activities
Even clean-looking water can introduce bacteria into the ear canal, especially if the skin inside the ear becomes irritated or scratched.
If you experience ear discomfort after swimming in Phuket, early treatment can prevent the infection from worsening.
Common Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
Symptoms often begin mildly but can progress quickly if left untreated. Common signs include:
- Ear pain, especially when touching or pulling the ear
- Itching inside the ear canal
- A feeling of blockage or fullness
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- Redness or swelling around the ear
- Fluid or discharge from the ear
In more severe cases, pain may radiate to the jaw or neck, and swelling can make it difficult to sleep or enjoy daily activities.
Why Prompt Treatment Is Important
While swimmer’s ear is usually not life-threatening, delaying treatment can lead to complications such as:
- Worsening infection
- Severe pain and swelling
- Spread of infection to surrounding tissues
- Temporary hearing loss
- Longer recovery time
In a humid environment like Phuket, infections tend to progress faster. Seeking professional medical care early helps ensure effective treatment and faster relief.
If ear pain lasts more than 24 hours or worsens, a medical evaluation is strongly recommended.
Professional Swimmer’s Ear Treatment at Patong Medical Clinic
At Patong Medical Clinic, our doctors are experienced in diagnosing and treating ear infections related to swimming and water exposure. Each patient receives a personalised treatment plan based on the severity of symptoms.
Treatment may include:
- Careful ear examination
- Gentle cleaning of the ear canal using sterile techniques
- Prescription ear drops to treat infection and reduce inflammation
- Pain relief medication if required
- Clear aftercare instructions to support healing
We prioritise safe, gentle methods to avoid further irritation or damage to the ear canal.
Ear Irrigation: When Is It Needed?
In some cases, swimmer’s ear may be associated with trapped water, debris, or earwax buildup. If appropriate, our medical team may perform professional ear irrigation to help clear the ear canal.
This procedure is:
- Performed by trained medical professionals
- Gentle and controlled
- Designed to relieve blockage and discomfort
Ear irrigation is only performed when medically safe, ensuring the eardrum is intact and the procedure is suitable for your condition.
Care Designed for Travellers
Experiencing ear pain while abroad can be stressful, especially when dealing with unfamiliar healthcare systems. At Patong Medical Clinic, we specialise in caring for international patients and understand the needs of travellers.
We offer:
- English-speaking doctors and nurses
- Clear communication and transparent explanations
- Fast assessment and treatment
- Medical certificates if required for insurance or travel
Please note that payment and insurance claims depend on your individual insurance policy.
Clinic Visit or Doctor On Call Options
Depending on your condition, swimmer’s ear treatment can be provided at our modern clinic in Patong. For patients who are unable to travel due to pain or discomfort, doctor-on-call services may be available.
Clinic visits are ideal for:
- Ear examination and cleaning
- Accurate diagnosis
- Immediate treatment
Doctor-on-call services may be suitable for:
- Severe ear pain
- Limited mobility
- Late-night or urgent concerns
Our medical team often reaches patients within 30–60 minutes, depending on location and traffic conditions.
When Should You See a Doctor Immediately?
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or increasing ear pain
- Discharge with pus or blood
- Swelling around the ear or face
- Fever or general unwellness
- Temporary hearing loss
Prompt treatment helps prevent complications and ensures a smoother recovery especially when you’re travelling.
Get Back to Enjoying the Water Safely
Swimmer’s ear is a common but treatable condition. With professional care, most patients experience rapid relief and full recovery. At Patong Medical Clinic, we are committed to providing safe, effective swimmer’s ear treatment in Phuket with a focus on comfort, clarity, and quality care.
If ear pain is interrupting your holiday, don’t wait. Contact Patong Medical Clinic today for trusted medical care so you can heal quickly and enjoy everything Phuket has to offer.
