Summer is a time to have fun, laze by the pool or play in the waves at the beach. It can also be the time for a painful infection known as swimmer’s ear. There are many home remedies for swimmer’s ear that will have them back in the water in no time.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal commonly caused by bacteria. It is also known as external otitis or otitis externa. Swimmer’s ear is easily treated and prompt treatment prevents more serious complications.
The symptoms of swimmer’s ear is often an itching or tingling sensation. There may be some slight redness of the skin. If the infection gets worse you may notice discharge from the ear, fever, severe pain, decreased hearing, and swelling around the ear. If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor right away.
These home remedies for swimmer’s ear are the ones which have worked best for many people. If your child has ever had a punctured ear drum, or surgery, including the insertion of tubes, do not use the vinegar remedies. Putting liquids in the ear could result in serious complications.
Home Remedies for Swimmer’s Ear: Vinegar
Put 2 to 3 drops of distilled white vinegar in the ear, and let it set about 5 minutes. Turn head over to drain. You should repeat two times a day for three days. The acetic acid in the vinegar prevents the growth of bacteria.
Mix equal part water, peroxide and distilled white vinegar in a clean bottle. Use an eye dropper to put 2 to 3 drops in the ear. Leave the solution in for 1 to 2 minutes. Turn head over to drain the solution.
Home Remedies for Swimmer’s Ear: Hair Dryer
Set the hair dryer’s temperature on the warm setting. Hold it approximately 18 inches away from the ear, move it slowly back and forth. The warm air will evaporate any water trapped in the ear canal. Never put a hair dryer close to the ear or blow air directly into the ear.
Home Remedies for Swimmer’s Ear: Heat
Fill a hot water bottle, cover it with a towel, and have the child lay on it.
A heating pad set on the lowest setting works well too. Have your child lay on the heating pad for about 30 minutes. You can repeat as needed.
Find a clean, white sock and fill the toe of the sock with white rice. Tie a knot in the top to prevent the rice from falling out. Place the rice filled sock in the microwave. Heat the sock until it is warm but not hot. This may take repeated heating until the right temperature is achieved. Lay the painful ear on it to soothe the ache. Reheat as needed.
Home Remedies for Swimmer’s Ear: Garlic
You can buy garlic oil in health food stores or make your own. Grate three cloves of garlic into a shallow dish. Cover the grated garlic with olive oil and let sit overnight. Strain out the garlic and put three drop into the ear. You could make this ahead of time and store in a clean bottle in the cupboard.
The best home remedy for swimmer’s ear is prevention. Follow these suggestions to avoid getting swimmer’s ear.
Swimmer’s Ear Prevention Tips:
– Dry ear thoroughly after swimming.
– Use ear plugs to prevent water from getting into the ear.
– Avoid swimming in water that is dirty, such as ponds and lakes.
Using these home remedies for swimmer’s ear should ease your child’s pain and allow everyone to enjoy their summer once again.
Sources
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/swimmers-ear/DS00473
http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_swim.htm
