If you virtually live in the water during the summer, whether it is the pool, a lake or even the ocean, at one point or another, you probably have developed an aching ear, sometimes called swimmer’s ear. This condition is also called otitis externa by doctors and cause such symptoms as swelling, aching pain, inflammation and redness and even fluid drainage.
Normally, the waxy material in your ear, also called cerumen, provides a protective barrier which repels infection from entering the ear canal, trapping bacteria and other organisms. However, excessive exposure to fluids can create an overly moist environment conducive to breeding bacteria. Depending on where you swim or are exposed to water, viruses and fungus can also contribute to swimmer’s ear, although this is rare.
The first signs of swimmer’s ear are typically soreness and itching along with an odorless liquid discharge. If left untreated, the symptoms will continue to worsen. An increase in pain, pus discharge, diminished hearing, extra fluid drainage, redness and a feeling of full warmth are typical. In extreme cases of swimmer’s ear, lymph node swelling and scaly skin may also occur.
Treatment Options
If you start to show signs of swimmer’s ear, it is important to visit your doctor to prevent a more severe infection. The typical treatment for most cases of swimmer’s ear is prescription ear drops to cut down swelling and inflammation in addition to eradicating bacteria. However, if caught early, with a natural swimmer’s ear remedy, you can head off those first vestiges of pain.
Heat treatment – Alleviate the pain of swimmer’s ear with this natural remedy of heat in the form of a wrapped hot water bottle or a covered heating pad pressed against the affected ear. Heat eases the throbbing pain that swimmer’s ear can cause.
Rubbing alcohol – Adding a drop or two of rubbing alcohol into each ear before swimming can serve as a natural swimmer’s ear remedy because it actually helps prevent the condition. Allow the rubbing alcohol to drain out of the ear. Alcohol also has quick evaporating properties so if you add a drop or two after playing in the water, it will help remaining moisture evaporate more quickly.
Vinegar – Add a few drops in your ear after swimming or water play as a natural swimmer’s ear remedy. Vinegar is a natural antiseptic and will help stave off fungal and bacterial infections.
Garlic oil drops – Garlic is an anti-bacterial natural remedy for swimmer’s ear as well.
It is important that you do not use the rubbing alcohol, vinegar or garlic oil drops in your ear if your eardrum is punctured or it is draining excessively. When swimmer’s ear is that serious, a doctor’s care is strongly advised.
The best defense is a good offense so in addition to adding a drop or two of rubbing alcohol in your ears before swimming or water play, it is important to dry your ears carefully. Use a towel, cotton swabs or even a hair dryer. Also avoid swimming in water that appears unclean.
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