Swimmer’s Ear

SWIMMER’S EAR (otitis externa) is a bacterial (or sometimes fungal) infection of the outer ear, which develops when contaminated water gets trapped in the ear canal. At an early stage, the ear itches. If the ear is really painful and the pain intensifies when your earlobe is pulled, it might welt be infected. Swimmer’s ear got its name because most people contract it after swimming, but it can develop just from showering or washing your hair.

The simplest way to prevent swimmer’s ear is to keep your ears dry. That means that you should be sure to dry the outer ear with a soft towel after swimming or showering. Remember not to “put anything smaller than a banana in your ear,” including cotton swabs. Just be sure the outer part of the ear is dry.

If you’re prone to swimmer’s ear you can use earplugs to help keep water out of the ear canal.

If you swim in lakes frequently, where water is more likely to be harboring infectious bacteria (as opposed to salt water), you might want to use antiseptic eardrops after swimming, especially if you’ve had swimmer’s ear in the past. They will help restore the natural acid balance of the ear, kill bacteria, and help dry it out. If your ears do begin to itch, you can use the drops a few times a day until the itch subsides.

If your ear becomes painful, has a discharge, or hurts when the earlobe is pulled, you might have developed an infection, in which case it’s best to see a doctor and begin a course of antibiotics.

NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR SWIMMER’S EAR

• Dry your ears thoroughly with a soft towel after swimming, showering, or washing your hair.
• Try using earplugs when swimming.
• If you’re going to swim in a lake and/or if you’re prone to swimmer’s ear, use drying/antiseptic eardrops after swimming. You can buy them in a pharmacy, or use equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Put a drop or two in your ears after swimming. If they begin to itch, use the solution three times a day until the itch stops.