Swimmer's Ear and Treatment
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is a painful outer ear canal infection. Symptoms of this condition may include redness, drainage, itchiness and swelling. This condition is most commonly suffered by people who spend a lot of time swimming or in the water. The skin in the ear canal can become irritated and break down with too much water contact. The skin in this condition opens itself up to penetration of bacteria or fungi. There are conventional and alternative treatments for swimmer's ear.
Significance of Medication
If the bacteria or fungi that causes swimmer's ear is not eradicated with swimmer's ear medication, it could move into adjoining bone and tissue, causing further infection. The infection may further spread into a condition called malignant otitis externa, in which bones can be damaged or destroyed and the cranial nerves as well as the brain could be affected. Corticosteroids may be prescribed in addition to other medications in order to reduce inflammation and itching.
Expert Insight
Dr. Peter S. Roland and his panel at UT Southwest Medical Center have crafted guidelines on treating swimmer's ear. He states, "The most important feature of these new guidelines is that they are entirely evidence-based.They do not depend on clinicians' opinions, but instead are based on what has been scientifically demonstrated in the medical literature."
Step 1: The ear should be cleaned with bacterial growth inhibiting antibiotic or antiseptic ear drops.
Step 2: The patient should take oral antibiotics if warranted.
Step 3: To avoid this condition in future, use ear plugs or a hairdryer to dry the ear canal. Do not put objects into the ear that could push infection further into the canal.
Antibiotics will help the body to fight off and kill any of the bacteria or fungi that causes swimmer's ear.
Alternative Treatments
Besides treating swimmer's ear with conventional medicine, there are home remedies available that may be considered for mild cases of this condition. Put a few drops of white vinegar in the ear canal and leave it for several minutes. Drain the ear and repeat the procedure on the opposite ear if needed. Other mixtures used in this same procedure are apple cider vinegar with an equal part of alcohol or equal parts of peroxide, white vinegar and water. All of these alternative treatments for swimmer's ear are meant to clear bacteria and help restore the acid balance to the ear canal.
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