At Home Remedies for Swimmers Ear

Swimmer’s ear is another term for an infection that occurs in the outer portions of the ear canal. It bears this name because it is caused by water or moisture which remains in the ear after being exposed to water such as in swimming. However, it is a common condition for everyone and is not limited to swimmers. Any excessive moisture or water that remains in the ear causes an environment which is conducive for the growth of bacteria. This leads to an infection which can be treated with swimmers ear drops or antibiotics of different sorts. There are also a few home remedies that may be effective for battling this condition.

Rinsing the Ear Out Gently

There are a few different ways to rinse out the ear. Some use a simple saline solution which is just slightly warmed. The inside of the ear is very sensitive so solutions that are slightly warm may feel much hotter once they hit the ear. Be careful when gauging how warm the solution is as if it is too hot or too cold it can cause dizziness or irritation. Another effective solution is made by mixing equal parts of plain white vinegar and warm water. Use a bulb to gently flush one of the solutions through the ear. This can help relieve pressure and alleviate pain. Vinegar also has anti-bacteria and anti-fungal properties that are beneficial in aiding the healing process.

Garlic and Oil Drops

Another home remedy for swimmer’s ear is garlic. It naturally fights bacteria and is often used to treat colds or to boost heart health because of its natural qualities. If you have any reason to believe your eardrum is punctured do not use this remedy and consult a doctor first. You may make garlic drops by crushing a clove of garlic into olive oil and let it set overnight. Strain the garlic out of the oil and use a dropper to put garlic oil in the effected ear.

Traditional Swimmer’s Ear Drops

Regular pharmacies carry a variety of swimmer’s ear drops that can be useful in treating the condition from home. Most of them have anti-septic properties and are available for purchase without a prescription or doctor’s orders. Just be sure to read the active ingredients to ensure there are antiseptic properties. However, it is also safe to use saline solution as drops.

Heat Therapy as an Option

Sometimes heat therapy can help alleviate the pain associated with swimmer’s ear. Simply place a warm washcloth close to the outside of the effected ear. It can be heated in the microwave, or a heating pad set on the lowest setting can be used to apply heat.

Sometimes applying heat helps the earwax melt so it can move the extra debris out of the ear canal. Do not use a heating pad while in bed, or on children to avoid burns. A hair dryer can also be an alternative for helping the ear heal more quickly. Set it on the lowest setting and aim the warm air toward the effected ear keeping it a few inches away from the side of your head. Not only does this provide beneficial heat, it can also help dry the moisture out of the ear.

When to Consult a Doctor

Home remedies can be very effective as swimmer’s ear treatment options. But there are sometimes that you may need to go ahead and consult with a medical professional. For instance, if you’ve tried home remedies and they do not seem to be working, you may need an alternative method and it’s good to consult with a health care professional. If the pain begins to worsen rather than getting better, or if the skin just outside the ear canal becomes inflamed or red it

is time to visit a knowledgeable health care professional. Keep an eye out for drainage that is not just earwax or any fluids that have a pungent odor. You should also contact a health professional if there is pain in the ear that lasts for a period longer than one week or if you start to feel dizzy or unsteady. Any time you are using a home remedy and the symptoms worsen or become more severe, you should seek out proper medical attention.