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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

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.

Tips & Warnings

• Symptoms include itching, discomfort and swelling of the outer ear canal, which is usually tender to the touch.
• During the healing process, keep water out of your ears. Clean them by wrapping your finger in a soft cloth and gently wiping the outer ear area. Avoid using instruments or cotton swabs to remove earwax.
• Don't put any drops in your ear if you suspect a perforated eardrum.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 8/8/2006 The ear plugs you buy for swimming usually don't work well. Hearo ear plugs work great, but they absorb water, so change them often. Never use a wet pair of ear plugs.

on 7/6/2006 Swimmer's ear is extremely painful for children. Keep Advil in the house and administer every 6 hours.

on 6/30/2006 To prevent swimmer's ear, make sure you rinse shampoo and conditioner from the ear area completely. Swimmers get used to rushing when they shower and dress, and the bacteria that grows in soap scum and leftover hair care products is more likely to be the swimmer's ear culprit than the chlorine.
During a bout of swimmer's ear, our coach has us kick the whole workout to avoid irritation of the infected area. If you have an elevated temperature, see a doctor.

on 1/2/2006 My golden is prone to ear infections from swimming in the river. Our veterinarian suggested I use polysporin for eyes and ears, the liquid not the gel, which can be bought at any pharmacy. I simply use the drops for a few days and the infection is gone. I always keep this in the dog's first aid pack.

on 11/22/2005 Auto Dri, and others like it, cost $5 for one ounce, and that is just alcohol if you look at the ingredients. If you buy a 16 ounce bottle of 91% isopropyl alcohol, and a 16 ounce bottle of white vinegar and an ear dropper, it will only set you back $5-$6, and it will be healthier for your ear canal. Go for the home remedy described above, particularly if you swim a lot or get ear infections easily!