External otitis, also called "swimmer's ear," occurs most often among young people and adolescents who go into the water very frequently or spend very long periods there, usually diving or swimming. Adults, however, are not immune to it. Infection also occurs when the outer ear membrane is damaged when cleaning the ears with cotton buds, which are pressed deep into the ear canal, or when devices that close the eardrums, such as earphones, are worn. Read on to learn how to treat the infection, relieve pain, and promote healing.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Watch out for itching
Whether it is light or more persistent, it could indicate the presence of an external ear infection.
You may experience itching on the inside of the ear or on the outside. However, a slight itch does not automatically mean that otitis is present
Step 2. Check for secretions
Any kind of material coming out of the ears can be a symptom of an ongoing infection. However, check if it is yellow or gray in color and if it smells bad, as this could be another indication of infection.
Step 3. Make a note of the pain
Pain inside the ear is almost always associated with otitis. If this gets worse with some pressure, then the chances of it being an infection increase.
In severe cases, the pain radiates to the face; in this case an immediate visit to the doctor is necessary, because it means that the infection is spreading
Step 4. Check if the area is red
Look carefully at the ear in the mirror. If you notice that it is a little red, then it may be infected.
Step 5. Check for partial hearing loss
This is another sign that indicates an advanced degree of infection; therefore, if you notice a reduction in hearing capacity associated with other symptoms, you should see an ENT for an examination.
As the infection worsens and worsens, the ear canal is completely blocked
Step 6. Pay attention to the symptoms of late stage otitis
If your ear or lymph nodes swell and you also have a fever, the infection has worsened.
Part 2 of 4: Contact the Doctor
Step 1. See your doctor if you have any symptoms of otitis
Even if the infection is in its early stages, it can worsen quickly, so it's important to go to the EN if you experience a combination of these symptoms.
Step 2. Go to the emergency room or contact the emergency services
If, in addition to other symptoms, you have a fever or otherwise experience a lot of pain, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Step 3. Be prepared for the otorine to do an ear cleaning
The treatment your doctor gives you allows the drug to reach the infected area. He will be able to suck up secretions or use an ear curette to gently pick up the ear wax and carefully clean the ear canal.
Step 4. Put on antibiotic drops
Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics in the form of neomycin ear drops to put into your ears to reduce the infection.
- There is a certain, albeit very rare, risk of hearing loss due to the aminoglycosides present in neomycin. This drug is usually administered in combination with a solution of polymyxin B and hydrocortisone which must be applied in the external canal 3-4 times a day in doses of 4 drops, for the entire period prescribed to you. Neomycin can also cause contact dermatitis.
- If the ear is really very infected, it may be necessary to insert a special "wick" inside which helps the ear drops to penetrate well into the ear canal.
- To apply the drops, first warm the vial with your hands. The easiest way to insert them is to tilt your head to one side or lie on your side. Stay in this position for 20 minutes or put a cotton ball in your ear. Do not let the dropper or its tip touch the ear canal or any other surface, otherwise you could contaminate the medicine.
- If you have trouble getting the drops in correctly, ask someone to help you.
Step 5. Learn about acetic acid drops
Your doctor may also prescribe this medicine, which is a kind of vinegar. Keep in mind that acetic acid is stronger than common household vinegar and allows you to restore normal bacterial balance of the ears. Instill the medication as you would regular ear drops.
Step 6. Take oral antibiotics
If the infection is more severe, especially if it spreads to the inner ear, oral antibiotic treatment is required.
- Make sure you go through the full course of antibiotics. You should start feeling better 36-48 hours after starting therapy and fully recover within 6 days.
- Some infections are caused by fungi rather than bacteria; in this case you have to take antifungal drugs instead of antibiotics.
- If you have a normal immune system, topical treatments are preferred over oral medications.
Step 7. Learn about corticosteroids
If the ear is inflamed, treatment with this class of drugs may be needed, which is of great help in cases of intense itching.
Part 3 of 4: Treating the Infection at Home
Step 1. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
When you are at home, you can take pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Step 2. Make a solution of ear drops yourself
While this remedy is not as effective as a prescription medication, you can still make a salt water solution or an equal parts vinegar and water solution at home. Whichever liquid you decide to use, make sure it reaches body temperature and then pour it into your ear using a bulb syringe; then let it flow out.
Step 3. Apply heat
A source of warmth, such as an electric warmer set to low or a damp cloth warmed in the microwave, can help relieve pain; hold it against your ear while sitting straight.
Be careful not to fall asleep with the electric warmer, otherwise you could get burned
Step 4. Put some free ear drops specifically for swimmer's ear
Instill them as soon as you start to feel itchy or before and after swimming.
Step 5. Keep the ear dry during the healing process
You need to try to keep it as dry as possible while trying to cure the infection. Tilt your head to avoid contact with water when you shower.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Future Infections
Step 1. Thoroughly dry your ears after swimming to avoid possible infections
When you get out of the pool, use a towel and carefully remove all traces of moisture from your ears. This type of infection develops more easily in humid environments, and doing this helps you prevent it.
Do not even use cotton swabs, as this will increase the risk of infection
Step 2. Put on your ear plugs
Before entering the pool, put these devices on, which keep your ears dry while you swim.
Step 3. Apply ear solution after swimming
Mix one part of vinegar with one part of alcohol and pour about a teaspoon of this solution into your ear, then tilt your head to let the liquid out.
- Contact your doctor before implementing this remedy, as it is not recommended for those with a perforated eardrum.
- You can decide to put the mixture even before swimming.
- The important thing is to try to keep the ear as dry and free of bacteria as possible.
Step 4. Don't swim in dirty water
If the pool water seems cloudy or dirty, avoid bathing. Also, you shouldn't swim in the lake or the sea either.
Step 5. Make sure your ears don't come into contact with spray products
If you use a hair spray or hairspray, put cotton in your ears first, as these are irritating products; By protecting them from these chemicals, you can reduce the risk of infections.
Step 6. Do not use ear candles
Even if you are tempted to use these tools to clear your ears of earwax or other secretions, they are actually not very helpful; they could also severely damage the ear canal.
Advice
- The outer ear infection is not contagious, so there is no need to stay away from friends or family.
- Always protect your ear during treatment.
- Put a cotton ball dipped in petroleum jelly in your ear to prevent water from entering it during the bath.
