External ear infections, also called "otitis externa" are most common in teenagers or young adults who spend a lot of time in the water, usually during swimming or diving. However, even adults are susceptible to this infection. This infection can also occur if the outer ear membrane is damaged by applying too much pressure when cleaning the ear, or when wearing a device that closes the eardrum such as ear buds. Learn how to treat an external ear infection to relieve pain and help with recovery below.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Recognizing the Symptoms of an Outer Ear Infection
Step 1. Watch for itching
Mild or severe itching may indicate an external ear infection.
The inside or outside of your ear may itch. However, mild itching doesn't necessarily mean you have an external ear infection
Step 2. Observe the liquid that comes out
Any discharge from inside the ear could be a sign of an ear infection. However, watch for liquids that are yellow or green in color. In addition, if the discharge smells bad, this may also indicate an ear infection.
Step 3. Pay attention to the pain
If your ear hurts, this may indicate an ear infection. If the pressure in the ear gets worse, the more likely it is that the cause is an ear infection.
In severe cases, the pain in the ear may radiate to the face. This means that you should contact your doctor immediately because the infection is spreading
Step 4. Check for redness of the ear
Look carefully at your ears in the mirror. If there are areas that appear reddened, this may also indicate an ear infection.
Step 5. Watch for hearing loss
Hearing loss is an advanced symptom of an ear infection. So, if you experience hearing loss as well as other symptoms, you should see a doctor.
An advanced ear infection will cause the ear canal to become completely blocked
Step 6. Watch for advanced symptoms
If the ear or lymph nodes are swollen, it means the ear infection has reached a fairly advanced stage. Another further symptom is fever.
Part 2 of 4: Visiting the Doctor
Step 1. See a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms
Even mild ear infections can get worse quickly. So, you should visit a doctor if you experience some of the above symptoms.
Step 2. Visit the emergency department or emergency clinic
You should see your doctor as soon as possible if you have a fever with other symptoms, or if you have severe pain.
Step 3. Let the doctor clean your ear
This action allows the drug to get where it is needed. The doctor may suck the fluid inside the ear, or use a curette to clean the inside of your ear.
Step 4. Use antibiotic drops
Your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotic drops such as neomycin. This medicine must then be dripped into the ear to treat the infection.
- The risk of hearing loss from the use of aminoglycoside antibiotics such as neomycin is very low. This drug is usually given in combination with polymyxin B and liquid hydrocortisone to be injected into the external ear canal in 4 drops, 3-4 times a day for the prescribed duration. Neomycin can also cause contact dermatitis.
- If your ear is too blocked, you may need to insert the wick into your ear to help drain the medicated fluid in.
- To use ear drops, first warm the bottle with both palms. The easiest way to inject ear drops is by tilting your head or lying down. Lie on your side for 20 minutes or place a cotton ball in your ear canal. Do not touch the tip of the dropper with your ear or any other surface as this may cause contamination of the medicine.
- If you're having trouble getting the medication right, ask someone else for help.
Step 5. Ask about acetic acid drops
Your doctor may also prescribe acetic acid drops, which are a type of vinegar. However, this liquid is stronger than regular homemade vinegar. These drops will help restore the antibacterial condition of the ear. Use this medication like any other eardrop.
Step 6. Take antibiotics
If your ear infection is severe, especially if it has extended beyond the ear, you should take antibiotics.
- Take all prescribed antibiotics. You should feel better within 36-48 hours of starting the medication, and be fully recovered within 6 days.
- Most cases of infection are caused by fungi and not bacteria. If so, you should use an antifungal medication, not an antibiotic.
- If your body is able to produce a normal immune response, topical medications are more appropriate than oral medications.
Step 7. Ask about corticosteroids
If the ear becomes inflamed, you may need to use corticosteroids to treat it. This medicine can also help if itching in the ears bothers you.
Part 3 of 4: Treating an Outer Ear Infection at Home
Step 1. Use pain medication
While at home, you can use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. This medicine should reduce the pain.
Step 2. Make your own ear drop solution
While this treatment may not be as effective as prescription medications, you can make your own brine or vinegar solution (1 part water and 1 part vinegar) yourself. Warm the solution of your choice to body temperature before dripping it into the ear using a dropper. Let the liquid drain out afterwards.
Step 3. Apply a hot compress
Warm temperatures, such as from a heating pad or a damp washcloth warmed in the microwave, can reduce pain. Just put it in your ear as long as you sit up straight.
Do not fall asleep while using a heating pillow because it can cause a fire
Step 4. Use over-the-counter ear drops
Use over-the-counter ear drops that are intended to treat external ear infections the first time the ear feels itchy. Put a drop on the ear both before and after swimming.
Step 5. Keep your ears dry during the recovery period
You should keep your ears as dry as possible while recovering from infection. Keep your head away from the water while showering.
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Outer Ear Infections
Step 1. Dry the entire ear after swimming to prevent infection
When you get out of the pool, use a towel to dry your entire ear. This infection occurs most easily in a humid environment. So, drying your ears can help prevent infection.
Avoid using earplugs because they can increase the chance of infection
Step 2. Put on earplugs
Before swimming, wear earplugs. This tool will help keep your ears dry while you swim.
Step 3. Provide care after swimming
Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part medical alcohol. Put about a teaspoon of this solution into the ear. Tilt your head so that the fluid can be drained back out.
- Consult a doctor before using it as this solution is not recommended for people with a torn eardrum.
- You can also use this solution before swimming.
- The goal is to keep the ear as dry and free of bacteria as possible.
Step 4. Don't swim in dirty water
If the water in the swimming pool looks cloudy or dirty, don't enter it. Also, avoid swimming in lakes or seas.
Step 5. Keep hair care products away from ears
When you will use hairspray or hair dye, place a cotton swab to cover the ear first. This kind of product can irritate the ears. Thus, protecting your ears can reduce your chances of getting your outer ear infected.
Step 6. Avoid using ear wax
While it may be tempting to open the plug in your ear with a wax, it's not really that helpful. In addition, the use of candles can cause severe damage to the ears.
Tips
- External ear infections are not contagious so you don't need to isolate yourself from friends and family.
- Always protect your ears during treatment.
- Place a cotton ball covered in petroleum jelly in your ear canal to prevent water from getting in while you shower.
