Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

An external ear infection (otitis media, “swimmer's ears”) often affects adolescents and young adults who spend a lot of time in the water - diving or swimming. In addition, damage to the mucous membranes of the ear during cleaning (say, with cotton swabs pushed too far) can be the cause.Read this article to learn how to treat infection and reduce pain caused by it.

Steps

1. 1 Know the symptoms of otitis externa, which is an infection of the outer ear. The main symptom is acute pain, aggravated by pulling or light pressing on the auricle. It is also possible that there is an itching sensation in the ears before the onset of pain, as well as redness and swelling of the auricle, as well as the appearance of edema of the ear lymph nodes. Fever and hearing impairment are also possible, caused by pus filling the ear canals and blocking hearing.
2. 2 Avoid getting water in your ears, as moisture can only worsen irritation and require longer treatment. Therefore - no swimming, diving or anything else that could worsen the situation. If you just can't help but swim, then at least plug your ears with special earplugs. Protect your ears when you shower by inserting a cotton swab dipped in Vaseline.
   • If you do get water in your ears, use alcohol-based drops after swimming or washing. If the infection is still too painful, alcohol in your ears can be painful, so do not use this remedy for a perforated eardrum.
   • Dry your ears thoroughly with a soft, absorbent towel if water gets into them. The moisture trapped in the ears makes them a good breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
3. 3 Take over-the-counter pain relievers in the form of ear drops to relieve pain. Use these products as directed.
4. 4 Use a dropper to put a few drops of warm garlic or olive oil into the affected ear. Other options are lobelia extract, mango leaf juice, or colloidal silver (a natural antibiotic).
5. 5 Get plenty of zinc, vitamin C, and calcium, while consuming less hydrogenated oils and processed foods. Eating the right diet will strengthen your immune system.
6. 6 Use a warm compress or heating pad to relieve pain.
7. 7 Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
8. 8 If home remedies do not work, be aware that an infection of the outer ear that lasts more than a week can develop into an infection of the inner ear, and contact your doctor.
   • Your doctor may be more specific about your treatment: a prescription for strong antibiotics, pain relievers, and possibly corticosteroids. You may be prescribed a course of oral antibiotics (usually for 10 days), and also advised to wear a special ear plug so that medications do not leak out of it.

Tips

• Outer ear infections are not contagious, so don't quarantine your family and friends if you have a fever or start taking antibiotics. In this sense, an external ear infection is not at all like other infections.
• The pain may get worse on the first day of treatment, but it will go away over time.
• Sleeping on the side of the affected ear will hurt, so avoid it.

Warnings

• Stay away from smokers, the smoke can irritate your ears.