Swimmer’s Ear

What are different home remedies for swimmer’s ear – a summer problem?

Characteristics of Swimmer’s Ear
- It is caused by excess water getting trapped in the ear canal.
- It generally happens most during the summer or the swimming season.
- It can also happen throughout the year as well.
- Swimmer’s ear is also known as Otitis Externa.
- It is a condition when the ear is infected and gets an inflammatory feeling.
- It leads to fungus or bacteria.
- Their skin becomes soft around the ears leading to wrinkles on it.
- The extra soft skin could then break and create room for infections to enter.
- If there is any cut, the harmful bacteria in the water could then enter and create havoc.
- This problem causes great pain and discomfort.
- One experiences formation of earwax, loss of hearing, pain or swelling in the ear amongst other things.

Home remedies for Swimmmer’s Ear

1. Rubbing Alcohol and White Vinegar
- Rinse ears using a cotton ball that is soaked in a mixture of half white vinegar and half rubbing alcohol.
- According to Dr. Emily Senay, a CBS medical correspondent, the vinegar can kill any bacteria lurking in the ear.
- The rubbing alcohol will dry out excess water.

2. Olive Oil
- Warm a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.
- Then place it in the ear.
- Cover with a cotton ball to prevent drainage.

3. Hot Compresses
- Hold a heating pad or warm cloth against the painful ear.
- The heat will help to evaporate excess water.
- It will then reduce pain in the ear.

4. Baby Oil
- Place two to three drops of baby oil into the ears prior to entering the water.
- This can help prevent swimmer’s ear.

5. Garlic Oil
- To reduce the inflammation, place two to three drops of garlic oil into the ear canal.
- This can also aid in healing and boost immunity.

6. Blow Dry
- Set your blow dryer to a low heat setting and gently blow into the ear.
- Hold the dryer at least 12 to 18 inches away from the ear.
- This should help eliminate any excess water in the ear.

7. Ear Plugs
- Consider using ear plugs made for swimmers when you are in the water.
- This will help prevent water from getting in the ear and causing irritation.

8. Apple cider vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar is an effective cure for otitis externa.
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water and rubbing alcohol and put the solution in to the affected ear.
- Do this 2 times daily.
- It kills all bacteria and fungi.

Other additional Home Remedies
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar, water and hydrogen peroxide solution and put in to the affected ear.
- Application of hot compress on the affected ear reduces pain and soreness.
- Resting one’s ear against a heating pad with a towel in between gives immense relief.
- Cleansing one’s ear with a saline solution is another effective remedy
- Swimmers must take care not to jump into unclean water as it could contain bacteria.
- Care must be taken to wear a swimmer’s cap to avoid water from entering into the ear canal.
- Swimmers are advised not to poke into or scratch their ears.

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