Swimmer's ear (also called external otitis) is a common outer ear infection in swimmers, caused by dirty water trapped in the ear. It can cause painful inflammation, decreased hearing, and other more serious symptoms. While you usually need to see a doctor, there are steps you can take at home to reduce pain and promote healing.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Caring for Swimmer's Ear
Step 1. See a doctor, especially if serious symptoms occur
Going to the doctor is always recommended to prevent complications and identify the root cause. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately; if possible within 24 hours.
- discharge from the ear (especially if it smells, bleeds, or resembles pus)
- Fever
- Increased pain or redness of the skin behind the ear
- Severe dizziness
- Facial muscle paralysis
- There is a buzzing or other sound in the ear
- Patients who have diabetes, especially the elderly, or severe ear pain, are at risk for a more serious infection, and should see a doctor immediately. Ask for a referral to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat specialist).
Step 2. Keep the ears dry
Avoid swimming or dipping your head in the water. When showering, place a cotton ball loosely over your ear to prevent water from entering.
Do not attempt to dry the ear with a cotton swab or other object. Cotton buds increase the risk of infection, and are especially dangerous when the ear is already infected
Step 3. Use a warm dry compress to relieve pain
You can use an electric heating pad on low heat or a warm dry towel. Place it on the ear for a few minutes to relieve pain. Fluid may come out as the ear wax melts.
- To make a warm dry compress, moisten a washcloth and place it in the microwave. Then, put the washcloth in a plastic clip bag. You can wrap the bag in another dry towel for more comfort.
- To avoid burning, do not apply compresses to children or someone who is sleeping.
Step 4. Take painkillers if necessary
Over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can provide pain relief if you are in extreme pain.
Part 2 of 3: Caring for an Undamaged Eardrum
Step 1. Do not perform the following treatments if you experience serious symptoms
The serious symptoms mentioned above may be a sign that your eardrum is tearing from the pressure caused by the infection. The following treatments are not safe for a torn eardrum, because fluid can flow through the eardrum and into the inner ear. Always see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms along with swimmer's ear.
If you have ever had a torn eardrum or had ear surgery, talk to your doctor before performing the treatments below, even if you are not experiencing any of these symptoms
Step 2. Warm the mixture of rubbing alcohol and vinegar
Make a solution of white vinegar and 70% rubbing alcohol, in equal ratios. Heat until warm, but not hot.
- Alternatively, buy waterless acetic acid ear drops at a pharmacy.
- Putting cold or hot liquids into the ear can cause dizziness. Try to warm the solution to about body temperature.
Step 3. Rinse the ear if it feels clogged
A little cerumen is fine, but if the ear canal is blocked, or if there is wax in the ear, it will need to be cleaned first. Fill the bulb syringe with a mixture of vinegar and alcohol, put a small drop into the ear canal, and let it drain out.
- Rinsing with warm water is not recommended if you have swimmer's ear.
- If the ear still feels blocked, visit an ENT doctor, or ask a GP for a referral. An ENT doctor can clean your ear more effectively, using a suction device.
- Never perform this step on a patient who has diabetes, not even in a doctor's office.
Step 4. Use the alcohol-vinegar solution as ear drops
The alcohol helps to evaporate any moisture, while the vinegar helps make the ear canal more acidic. Both things inhibit the growth of bacteria in the ear. Use the solution by the following method:
- Warm the solution by rubbing the container with your hands or placing it in a glass of warm water – but don't mix the two liquids.
- Lie down with your ears facing up.
- Have someone put two or three drops of the solution on the walls of the ear canal, so that air can escape and the solution can enter the ear. Gently shaking your ear will help with this process.
- Remain lying down for a few minutes.
Step 5. Ask the doctor about further treatment
If there are no signs of recovery, the doctor will examine your ear and recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Antibacterial eardrops (or, more rarely, antifungal eardrops)
- Inserting a wick (wick) into the swollen ear canal to allow ear drops to enter.
- Injectable or oral antibiotics if the infection has spread
- Ear canal cleaning by surgical operation
- Slice and drain the abscess fluid
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, are immunocompromised, or have had ear surgery or have a torn eardrum.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Swimmer's Ear
Step 1. Do not clean the inside of the ear
Contrary to popular belief, cleaning the ear with a cotton swab or other device can actually damage the ear canal and increase the risk of infection. A thin layer of cerumen is important for ear health.
- Even excessive irrigation of water to clean the cerumen can cause damage. If you have excess cerumen, talk to your doctor about safe treatments.
- Excessive use of soap can increase the chance of infection as the pH increases.
Step 2. Consider using earplugs when swimming
The use of earplugs while swimming is still debated by medical professionals. On the one hand, ear plugs can prevent water from entering the ear canal. On the other hand, inserting any object into the ear can damage it and make the ear more susceptible to infection. Talk to your doctor, taking into account the condition of your ear canal and possible exposure to bacteria where you swim.
Step 3. Keep the ears dry
Use a dry towel or hairdryer to dry your ears after swimming or showering. If you feel you have water in your ear canal, put a mixture of 1 drop of vinegar with 1 drop of rubbing alcohol into your ear to speed up drying and reduce the chances of bacterial growth.
Step 4. Protect your ears from hair products
Hair spray and hair dye contain chemicals that can damage the ear canal. Place a cotton ball loosely over the ear canal as a precaution when using hair products.
Step 5. Visit an ENT doctor to keep the ears clean
Check with an ENT doctor if you experience itchy, crusty, scaly ears or excess cerumen. If necessary, visit an ENT doctor regularly for professional ear cleaning.
Tips
- Doctors usually prescribe medication for 7-10 days, but the exact duration of treatment required varies widely. Always follow your doctor's directions, but ask about further treatment if you are nearing the end of your treatment period and symptoms are still present.
- To put ear drops into a young child's ear, hold the child in your lap with the child's legs around your waist, and your head down on your knees. Hold the child in this position for 2-3 minutes.
