How to Treat Swimmer’s EarSwimmer's Ear — otitis externa — is an infection and inflammation of the outer ear. It typically affects people who swim frequently or otherwise get water in their ears. It is also associated with people who regularly use cotton-tipped swabs in their ears. The ear’s normal acidic environment can be disrupted by constant wetness or the scraping of cotton-tipped swabs, creating conditions that allow bacteria to invade and infect the ear. Show Signs of Infection:In addition to pain and/or itching, there may also be drainage of fluid from the ear, and decreased hearing since the ear is full of infected material. In severe conditions, there may be some redness of the outside part of the ear or the surrounding face. Treatment:Most cases of swimmer's ear can be treated with antibiotic ear drops, such as POLYSPORIN® Plus Pain Relief Ear Drops. Instill one to two drops, four times a day, for 5 to 7 days. You should avoid getting water in the ear until the treatment is complete. Before use, read package insert for more complete information on dosing and cautions. Consult a doctor before treating children less than 6 years of age for ear infections. Swimmer’s Ear Prevention Tips:
Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection (also called otitis externa) that’s commonly caused by moisture. When water remains in the ear (such as after swimming), it can establish a damp environment that supports bacterial growth. Swimmer’s ear is typically treated with prescription ear drops. The most commonly prescribed drops combine a corticosteroid to calm inflammation with either an antibiotic or acetic acid. If the infection is caused by a fungus, your doctor can prescribe antifungal ear drops as opposed to antibiotic ear drops. Typical treatment usually involves placing ear drops 3 or 4 times each day for 5 days. Application instructions will vary depending on the prescription and you should follow your doctor’s specific recommendations. With prescription ear drops, your symptoms typically improve within 24 hours and are gone in two or three days. OTC (over-the-counter) ear drops, commonly containing isopropyl alcohol and glycerin, often focus on helping the ear dry out quicker as opposed to fighting the infection. OTC pain medicationIf your discomfort level is high, your doctor might recommend OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), or naproxen (Aleve) to address any discomfort your swimmer’s ear might be causing. These would be to lessen the symptoms of pain, not cure the problem itself. According to experts, prescription ear drops containing antibiotics or steroids are more effective for otitis externa than OTC disinfectant ear drops. There’s lacking evidence that OTC ear drops will effectively treat swimmer’s ear. To prevent yourself from getting swimmer’s ear, or once you’ve started prescription ear drops, the key is to keep your ears as dry as possible. To do this:
Protecting ear canal skinAvoid damaging the thin layer of skin that lines the ear canal by being careful with:
If the skin is scratched, it’s open for infection. Preventive treatmentSome suggest mixing 1 part white vinegar with 1 part rubbing alcohol to assist drying and halt bacterial and fungal growth. The recommended dosage is pouring 1 teaspoon of the mixture into each ear and then letting it drain back out. It’s believed that the alcohol combines with excess water in the ear canal, removing it when it evaporates. The acidity of the vinegar discourages the growth of bacteria. This mixture is similar in both ingredients and function to many of the available OTC swimmer’s ear drops. Typically mild, the symptoms of swimmer’s ear can worsen if the infection isn’t treated. Symptoms may include:
If you have one or all of these symptoms, call your doctor. If you also have severe pain or develop a fever, seek immediate medical help. If you have a condition that makes you more susceptible to infections, such as diabetes, you could develop a severe form of swimmer’s ear known as malignant otitis externa. Malignant otitis externa requires immediate hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. If you know you have higher risk and develop swimmer’s ear symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will have some suggestions for the best method for getting ear drops into your ear. Some techniques include:
Swimmer’s ear can be an uncomfortable infection. The sooner it’s treated, the less likely there will be complications. Prescription swimmer’s ear drops are the preferred method for treating the infection. See your doctor if you have swimmer’s ear symptoms such as:
Over-the-counter (OTC) and homemade drops can be part of a prevention program that includes other ways of keeping water out of your ears, such as earplugs and swim caps. Will antibiotics clear up swimmers ear?Swimmer's ear is usually treatable with a 7 to 10-day course of antibiotic ear drops. Your physician may also prescribe acetic acid ear drops to help prevent another infection. In addition, ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be recommended to relieve pain.
What is the fastest way to cure swimmer's ear?Treatment and prevention
Swimmer's ear is usually treated with antibiotics, either in the form of pills or ear drops. A homemade cure can be mixed from a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half vinegar.
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