How to Treat an Outer Ear Infection

An outer ear infection (external otitis) is also referred to as swimmer's ear. The infection is typically found in people who swim or dive a lot, especially in dirty lakes or rivers. An outer ear infection is a bacterial infection in the tube, which carries sound from the inner ear to the ear canal. Treating an outer ear infection is not very complicated, but it will require a visit to the doctor.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor
• Warm cloth
• Tylenol
• Prescription ear drops
• Prescription oral antibiotics

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit your doctor if you feel pain in the outer ear. Pull on your ear and then press on it. If you feel pain, it is most likely an outer ear infection. Take your temperature as infections will raise the body temperature a little on the onset and can cause extreme fever as it progresses. Talk to your doctor about the symptoms you've been feeling.

• 2

  Use the prescription that the doctor gives to you. Use prescribed ear drops if the ear infection hasn't progressed. Use oral antibiotics if the infection has progressed, endangering other areas of your head.

• 3

  Wet a wash cloth with hot water, squeezing out the excess. Lay on your side with the infected ear facing upward. Place the hot rag on the ear until it loses its warmth. Repeat the process until you feel some relief from the pain.

• 4

  Take Tylenol while you're taking your antibiotic ear drops or oral medication to relieve pain. Keep your ear away from any water for a few weeks. Avoid washing your hair in the shower. Wash your hair in a sink so that the water doesn't flow into the ear.