Swimmer’s ear — an infection and inflammation of the ear canal — is a common problem of summer.

Here are some tips from pediatricians:

Dry off

Immediately after swimming or taking a shower, dry the outer ear thoroughly with a soft towel or cloth. Avoid poking into the ear canal.

Tilt your head

Help water run out of your ears by turning your head from side to side and pulling your earlobes in different directions.

Don’t go inside

Digging at wax or scratching an itch inside the ear canal with a hard object — a pen cap or pencil, for example — can cut your skin, making you more vulnerable to infection. Even using cotton-tipped sticks will disrupt the natural wax coating that protects against germs.

Ask your doctor about earplugs …

Specially designed temporary plugs can help keep moisture out of the ear canal.

… and eardrops. Over-the-counter antiseptic drops can help dry out the ear canal after swimming, especially if you feel water trapped inside your ear. Some people also use a homemade mix of alcohol and white vinegar. If you have frequent infections, your doctor may recommend trying lanolin ear drops before swimming.

Avoid polluted water

Stick to clean, well-maintained pools and follow health warnings at beaches. Be wary of lakes and ponds.

Know the symptoms

Swimmer’s ear can cause ear pain, itching, a sensation of fullness in the ear canal, swollen lymph nodes, reddening of the outer ear, discomfort while chewing, fever and a discharge that may be clear, cloudy or yellowish.

Call a doctor

You’ll need a prescription medication to heal swimmer’s ear, often antibiotic drops. The sooner you start treatment, the better.