Fungus grows slowly, so the hallmark of this kind of infection is that it really never gets better. No need to give up swimming or limit yourself to bodies of pristine, chemically treated water.
It's the wetness trapped inside the ear, not the type of water you're in, that causes the infection. To prevent water from getting caught in your ear canal, consider wearing ear plugs when you go for a dip, and make sure you dry your ears thoroughly after time in a pool or following a shower.
Dabbing a few drops of rubbing alcohol or white vinegar just inside each ear can help dry them faster. A short blast of warm air from a hair dryer gets them dry quickly too. If you suspect that vigorous ear-cleaning led to your infection, lay off the cotton swabs and clean your ears with a washcloth.
That said, she is okay with people cleaning with swabs within reason, for example, by being very gentle and sticking to the outer ear. If you use them to go deeper into the ear canal, you might end up pushing the tip of the swab inside.
That packs the wax so it builds up, or it removes too much wax , so dirt and debris and bacteria can enter. Both set up the ideal conditions for swimmer's ear—which you really want to avoid. To get our best wellness tips delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter. Is It Swimmer's Ear? By Cathie Ericson Updated June 25, Save Pin FB More. Close Sign in. A large cotton ball with petroleum jelly on it can be placed into the outer ear area to avoid getting water in the ear while bathing.
Ask your physician before returning to swimming. 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. If the infection has spread beyond the outer ear, you may need to take antibiotics by mouth.
Get information on a variety of health conditions, disease prevention, and our services and programs. It's advice from our physicians delivered to you on your time. Sign up for the Health and Wellness Newsletter. About this Blog Get information on a variety of health conditions, disease prevention, and our services and programs. Be careful not to overuse this treatment as it can dry out ears too much and make things worse.
Check with your doctor before doing this at-home treatment. Coffman said. When there is a perforation in the eardrum , drops can get into the middle ear. In this case, drops with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can be painful. A homemade cure can be mixed from a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half vinegar. The alcohol combines with water in the ear and then evaporates, removing the water, while the acidity of the vinegar keeps bacteria from growing.
Apply a couple of drops of solution in each ear.
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