How to Care for Swimmer's Ear

When water gets in the ear, it can bring bacteria or a fungus with it and cause an infection resulting in swimmer's ear - an infection of the outer ear. While swimmer's ear usually clears itself up after a few days, here are some ways to treat any discomfort.

Things You'll Need

• An Ear Droppers
• Acetaminophen
• White Vinegar
• Heating pads
• Aspirins
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Earplugs
• Ibuprofen
• Warm Compresses

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Instructions

• 1

  To help clear up a mild infection, use a mixture of equal parts isopropyl alcohol and white vinegar in the ear canal after swimming or showering. Tip your head to one side so the affected ear faces the ceiling, place a few drops of the mixture in your ear using a a dropper, then tip your head the other way to let the mixture drain out.

• 2

  Take aspirin (for adults), ibuprofen or acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours for any symptoms of a mild infection, such as discomfort or fever.

• 3

  Apply mild heat, using a hot water bottle or a heating pad, to help reduce any pain.

• 4

  Contact your doctor if your condition doesn't improve in 24 hours, the glands in your neck become swollen, your ears begin to drain a milky fluid, or you experience dizziness or ringing in your ears.