What To Give My Son For Swimmers Ear?

The medical term for swimmer's ear is otitis externa. It is essentially an inflammation of the ear canal. The most common cause of swimmer's ear is exposure to contaminated water. In some cases, persistent moisture in the ear and cold, humid weather can also lead to swimmer's ear. When the ear becomes moist, it provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. There are many symptoms of swimmer's ear. These include itching ear, pain and swelling. There may also be a humming sound in the ears and in some cases a yellowish discharge may occur. Swimmers ear pain and discomfort can be significant and most people experience a disturbance in daily functioning because of it.

Bacteria and fungi are prevented from entering the ear due to the skin that lines the ear canal and outer ear. This lining is acidic in nature and serves as an effective barrier against germs. Moisture is also prevented from entering the ear due to this skin barrier. However a break in the skin lining provides an entry point for the germs. The skin lining may break due to insertion of cotton swabs or other instruments to clean the ears. Moisture that occurs while swimming or taking a shower can change the acidity level of the skin and thus enable entry of bacteria and fungi. Insertion of headphones and ear plugs can also increase the risk of swimmer's ear. In many cases, other conditions such as respiratory infections and allergies contribute to swimmer's ear. It is important to treat swimmers ear immediately so that the discomfort could be alleviated and further complications may be avoided.

There are many swimmers ear home remedies that are known to be effective in treating the infection. Vinegar has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and hence is beneficial for treating ear infections. You may add a couple of drops of white vinegar to the affected ear with the help of a dropper. You can also reduce the excess moisture in the ear by applying rubbing alcohol. Oils such as olive oil, garlic oil and baby oil are known to be effective in providing swimmers ear relief. You can also alleviate pain and swelling by applying a hot compress to the affected ear. Placing a hot towel or heating pad against the ear will help to reduce moisture and also reduce the pain. Keeping the ears dry at all times helps to prevent growth of bacteria. Use a hair dryer on a low setting to dry the insides of the ears.

answered by M W

Home cure for swimmer's ear

1. To treat swimmer's ear, put few drops of white vinegar in the ear. Let it remain there for a few minutes and then turn the ear down to pour the solution out. Repeat this 2-3 times for at least 3-4 days. This helps in treating bacterial or fungal infection.
2. For curing water clogging, mix 3-4 drops of apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water or alcohol immediately after coming out of water. This will also avert any further infection.
3. Pour a few drops of some warm baby oil in the ears and fix cotton balls to stop the oil from draining out.
4. To remove moisture from the ears, blow dry it gently with a hair dryer.
5. Mix together equal amounts of white vinegar, water and peroxide. Pour a few drops in the ear and leave it for one minute. Then drain it out and plug the ear with a cotton ball. Do this process every night before going to bed.
6. Before going in the pool, put a few drops of oil in the ear to prevent water getting in it.
7. Do not insert any hard object to clean the ears, use cotton buds.
8. Wear earplugs while swimming and stay away from polluted or contaminated water.
9. After every swim, shake out water from the ears and dry the openings thoroughly with a soft towel.

answered by D D