Swimmer's ear (also called otitis externa or swimmer's) is an external ear infection that often affects swimmers due to contaminated water that gets stuck inside the ear. This can result in painful inflammation, decreased hearing, and even more severe symptoms. While it is wise to see your doctor, there are some measures you can take at home to reduce discomfort and facilitate healing.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treatments
Step 1. See an otolaryngologist, especially if symptoms are severe
It is always recommended to go to the doctor to prevent possible complications and identify the underlying causes. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor and make an appointment, preferably within 24 hours.
- Fluid leaking from the ear (especially if it smells bad, with traces of blood or looks like pus).
- Fever.
- The pain increases or the skin behind the ear becomes red.
- Severe dizziness.
- Weakness of the facial muscles.
- Ringing or other noises in the ears.
- Diabetics, the elderly or people who experience severe pain are at greater risk of contracting a more serious infection and should be examined urgently. When you go to the medical facility, ask to be examined by an otolaryngologist.
Step 2. Make sure your ear stays dry
Avoid swimming or putting your head underwater. When you shower, put cotton balls in your ears (but don't insert them too far) to prevent water from entering.
Do not try to dry your ears using cotton swabs or any other object. Cotton balls increase the risk of infection and are especially dangerous when the ear is already infected
Step 3. Apply a warm, dry compress to relieve pain
You can use an electric warmer set to minimum, or a warm, dry towel. Place it over your ear for a few minutes to soothe the discomfort. You may notice some material leaking out, as the earwax melts with the heat.
- To make a warm, dry compress, put a damp cloth in the microwave for a few minutes, then seal it in an airtight bag. You can wrap another dry towel over the bag for extra comfort.
- To avoid possible burns, do not apply the compress to children or a sleeping person.
Step 4. Take pain relievers if needed
Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce pain and help if you feel severe discomfort.
Part 2 of 3: Treating a Healthy Tympanum
Step 1. Do not use these treatments if you have severe symptoms
When the eardrum is torn from the pressure of the infection, you may experience one or some of the symptoms listed above. The treatments described below are unsuitable and, in fact, can be dangerous in this case, as fluids can reach the back of the eardrum and enter the inner ear. Always see a specialist if you exhibit any of these signs in addition to those typical of swimmer's ear.
If you have had eardrum damage in the past or have had ear surgery, consult a doctor before using the following treatments, even if you do not experience symptoms of a tympanic tear
Step 2. Heat a mixture of alcohol and vinegar
Make an equal parts solution of white vinegar and 70% alcohol and heat it until it becomes hot but not boiling.
- Alternatively, buy a non-aqueous solution of acetic acid-based ear drops at the pharmacy.
- Cold or hot liquids in the ear can cause dizziness. Try to bring the temperature of the solution to the level of the body.
Step 3. Rinse your ear if you feel it is blocked
Some ear wax is not a problem, but if your ear canal is blocked, dirty, or has residue in it, you may need to do a proper cleaning first. Fill a bulb syringe with the vinegar and alcohol mixture and squirt some into your ear canal, letting it drain.
- Keep in mind that rinsing the ear with warm water is not recommended if you have otitis externa.
- If your ear is still blocked, see an otolaryngologist or ask your family doctor to refer you to a specialist. The otorine is able to clean the ear more effectively through aspiration.
- Never use this remedy on a person with diabetes, not even at the doctor's office.
Step 4. Apply the solution as you would with ear drops
Alcohol helps evaporate residual moisture, while vinegar makes the ear canal more acidic; both of these elements make the ear a less welcoming environment for bacteria. Apply the drops following this method:
- Warm the solution by rubbing the vial between your hands or placing it in a cup of hot water, preventing it from coming into contact with the solution.
- Lie down so that the affected ear is facing up.
- Ask a family member to place two or three drops on the ear canal wall, trying to get the air out so that the drops stay inside the ear. Try to move your ear a little bit gently to help the solution work.
- Remain lying down for a few minutes.
Step 5. See your doctor for other treatments
If you see no signs of improvement, you should see a specialist so that they can recommend one or more of the following therapies:
- Antibacterial ear drops (or, more rarely, antifungal drops).
- Insertion of a "wick" into the swollen ear canal, to allow the drops to penetrate.
- Oral or injectable antibiotics if the infection has spread.
- Surgical cleaning of the ear canal.
- Incision and drainage of an abscess.
- Remember to tell your doctor if you are diabetic, immunosuppressed, have had any ear surgery or have a perforated eardrum.
Part 3 of 3: Prevention
Step 1. Avoid cleaning the inside of the ear
Contrary to popular belief, cleaning the ear with a cotton swab or any other object can actually damage the ear canal and increase the risk of infection. Remember that a thin layer of ear wax is needed to keep your ears healthy.
- Excessive irrigation with water to remove earwax can cause damage. If your ears tend to produce excessive amounts of ear wax, ask your doctor for a safe treatment.
- Too much soap in the ear canals can increase the risk of infection, because it raises the pH level.
Step 2. Consider using ear plugs when swimming
To be sure, their use is still a debated topic among medical specialists. On the one hand, plugs can prevent water from entering the ear canal, but on the other hand, any object inserted into the ears can cause damage and make them more susceptible to infection. Ask your doctor for advice, considering the condition of your ear canal and the risk of exposing yourself to a bacterial infection when swimming.
Step 3. Keep your ears dry
Use a washcloth or hair dryer to dry your ears after a bath or shower. If you feel water in your ear canal, you can apply a drop of vinegar mixed with a drop of alcohol to speed up the drying process and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
Step 4. Protect your ears when using hair products
Hairspray and hair dyes contain chemicals that can damage the ear canal. Lightly place cotton balls over your ears to prevent any substance from getting into them while applying these products.
Step 5. Get a visit to an otolaryngologist to keep your ears clean
See a specialist if you feel itchy, feel lightheaded, flaky ear skin, or produce too much earwax. You may also want to consider making regular appointments for a professional cleaning.
Advice
- Doctors usually prescribe a 7-10 day course of medication, but the actual treatment duration can vary significantly. Always follow your doctor's instructions, but if your symptoms have not resolved yet and your first period is about to end, contact your doctor and ask him to prescribe another one.
- If you have to put the drops in a small child's ears, keep him on your lap with his legs around your waist and his head on your lap. Keep it in this position for 2-3 minutes to allow the drops to work.
