A Pain in the EAR…Swimmer's Ear Explained
Swimmer’s ear (also called otitis externa vs otitis media an internal ear infection) is an infection in the outer ear canal. It’s often caused by water that remains in the ear after swimming. This water creates a warm, moist environment that harbors bacteria. It often occurs in swimmers…hence the name!
Usually swimmers ear symptoms are mild at first but may get worse if infection isn’t treated or spreads.
Symptoms
Itching in ear
Slight redness in ear
Discomfort made worse by pulling on the outer ear
Clear, odorless fluid
Pain that can increase
Treatment and Prevention of Swimmer’s Ear
Home remedies
Avoiding water exposure (by not swimming or using ear plugs)
Drying the ear after swimming or water exposure
Applying heat to ear to help control pain
OTC pain relievers (i.e. Swim-Ear)
Vinegar/Rubbing Alcohol solution (mix equal parts white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Use bulb syringe and flush ear)
DO NOT use Ear Candles!!
Medical treatment
Medications prescribed for symptom relief
Topical ear remedies
Pain from swimmer’s ear usually goes away within 24 hours after medical treatment and the infection is usually cleared within a week.
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