Remedy for Swimmer's Ears

When the protective lining of the ear becomes damaged, typically through exposure to excessive moisture or injury, the defenses of the ear are compromised, increasing the risk of an infection. This is called swimmer's ear, which is also known as acute external otitis or otitis extrena. Swimmer's ear is easily treatable, and a combination of medicine and preventative measures allow the infection time to heal.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of swimmer's ear start out mild but become progressively worse over time. Initial symptoms may include itching and mild pain in the ear, fluid drainage and redness of the ear canal. As the condition progresses, symptoms include red skin around the ear, frequent drainage of fluid or a discharge of pus, pain, the sensation that the ear is full and diminished hearing. Symptoms of severe infection can include swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, swelling of the ear itself, flaky or scaly skin around the ear and intense pain.

  Even if you have mild symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately to prevent the condition from progressing and causing serious complications, such as hearing loss, cartilage damage and widespread infection.

Medical Treatment

• Depending on the cause of your infection, your doctor may prescribe one of several types of medicated ear drops. If you have an infection caused by bacteria or a fungus, antibiotics or anti-fungal drops will be prescribed. If there is any inflammation, steroids are prescribed. If the protective acidity of the ear is compromised, acidic ear drops are prescribed.

  Before prescribing medication, your doctor may clean out the ear with a currette or a suction device to make the infected skin more accessible to the medication. In the event that your infection is severe or not responding to ear drops, oral medication will be prescribed. Discuss with your doctor the best methods for using the ear drops, such as having someone else administer them for you.

Lifestyle and Preventative Measures

• As the medication works, you need to avoid irritating the ear. Avoid swimming and use a petroleum jelly-coated ball of cotton in your ear while showering to prevent the inner ear from becoming wet. Do not fly or go scuba diving, as the change in pressure can be painful and exacerbate the condition.

  After your infection has cleared, a number of preventative measures can help stave off future infections. Keep the ear as dry as possible, and avoid inserting anything into the ear, such as a cotton swab, to clean it. If your doctor has determined your ear drum has not been punctured, you can use a mixture of one part white vinegar and one part rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria that may be lurking in your ear. Be careful to not use more than one teaspoon of the solution in each ear, and always let it drain out naturally.