Otitis Externa (cont.)
What is the treatment of swimmer's ear?
Regardless of the cause, moisture and irritation will
prolong the course of the problem. For this reason, the ear
should be kept dry. While showering or swimming use an ear
plug (one that is designed to keep water out), or use
cotton with Vaseline on the outside.
Scratching the inside of the ear or using cotton swabs should be avoided. This will only aggravate the irritated skin, and in most situations will make the condition worse. In fact, scratching the inside of the ear will just make the ear itch more, and any medications prescribed will be ineffective. A hearing aid should be left out as much as possible until swelling and discharge stops.
The most common treatment consists of ear drops containing antibiotics or antibiotics with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Oral antibiotics may also be required in some cases. These should be used as directed. In some situations, a "wick" will need to be placed in the ear canal to stent it open and serve as a conduit for the ear drops. Periodic, and sometimes frequent, suctioning of the ear canal helps to keep it open, remove debris, and decrease bacterial counts.
How can swimmer's ear be prevented?
- Decrease exposure to water. If you are prone to infections it is advisable that you use an ear plug when you bathe or swim. Swimmer's ear drops or alcohol drops (Swim-EAR®) used in the ear after water exposure followed by drying the ear with a hair dryer held at arms length will often help keep the ear free of moisture
- Do not insert instruments, scratch, or use cotton swabs in the ears.
- Try to keep the ear free of wax. This may require
visits to the doctor to have your ears
cleaned.
- If you already have an ear infection, or if you have a hole in your eardrum,
or if you have had ear surgery or ear tubes,
first consult your doctor prior to swimming and before you use any type of ear drop.
- A preventative ear drop solution can be cheaply and easily made by mixing equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar (50:50 mixture). This solution will increase the rate of evaporation of water in the ear canal and has antibacterial properties. Using this solution to rinse the ear before and after water exposure can serve as a protective measure against infection.
- Mineral oil ear drops can be used to protect the ear
from water when a dry crusty skin condition exists.
Next: Why do ears itch? »
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