Swimmers ear is due to germs that need a moist environment to grow.
This article discusses how to prevent swimmer’s ear.
It explains the causes of swimmer’s ear and offers tips for prevention.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Keep Your Ears Clean and Dry
Thoroughlydry each ear canalafter swimming or bathing.
This can occur in natural bodies of water or public or private pools that aren’t adequately treated.
Plus, ear wax repels water.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
You should never insert a Q-tip or any other objects into your ears.
Pliable earplugs can be purchased at some healthcare providers' offices or at many stores.
Cracked, dry, or otherwise impaired skin is an infection waiting to happen.
double-check these conditions are treated by a healthcare provider.
If you don’t have any of the conditions listed above, the following ear drops may be used.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol evaporates water trapped inside the ear and has antimicrobial properties.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before you try this or any other home remedy.
White Vinegar
White vinegar affects the pH inside the ear canal, helping to prevent infections.
Olive Oil
A few drops a day lubricatesdry skinand repels water.
If you do not have olive oil, any liquid vegetable oil can be used.
For this reason, it has fallen out of favor with many healthcare professionals.
How to Apply Ear Drops
Ear dropsare best applied with the help of another person.
Lay down on your side so that your ear is facing up.
Complete Treatment to Avoid Recurrence
Swimmer’s ear is often treatedwith antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics.
Stopping antibiotics too soon can result in drug-resistant superbugs.
Your infection might not just come back, but it could be even harder to treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swimmers ear is an outer ear infection.
It is called swimmers ear because it commonly affects people who spend a lot of time in the water.
It can, but you might not want to wait it out.
While a mild case of swimmers ear can clear up on its own, it is still quite painful.
Treatment with antibiotic drops and steroid drops will help it resolve it faster.
The fastest way to clear up swimmers ear is to see your healthcare provider.
Once the ear is clear, you should feel some relief.
You will likely be prescribed ear drops containing an antibiotic and steroid to use a few times a day.
If the infection is more advanced, you may also need oral antibiotics to clear it up.
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