Page 67 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

COMMON CONDITIONS: EYE AND EAR PROBLEMS 65

Swimmer’s ear

It’s not only swimmers who get swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). When you shower or wash your hair, trapped
moisture can carry germs into the ear canal and cause an infection; the problem can also develop after ear
syringing or if you work in warm and humid environments. Your ear may feel itchy and painful (particularly
when you touch or pull your earlobe) and may feel blocked. There may also be a discharge of fluid from
the ear. A scratch to the delicate lining of the ear canal, or a reaction to chemicals in eardrops or hair dyes,
can also cause irritation and/or infection of the ear canal.
See also Earwax, p.63.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor
if you think you might have swimmer’s ear, Analgesics Take acetaminophen (see p.177)
to confirm the diagnosis. or ibuprofen (see p.185) to relieve any pain.

What you can do yourself
PREVENTION
Dealt with promptly, swimmer’s ear normally clears
up within a week or two. There are several things Protecting your ears If you are prone
you can do to support treatment from your doctor. to swimmer’s ear, try these steps to help prevent it.
● Wear earplugs when you swim, and don’t swim
● Your ear will be itchy, but don’t scratch it.
in polluted or dirty water.
● Don’t use eardrops or treatments that have not ● Always dry your ears carefully after washing your
been prescribed by your doctor. hair or showering. Tilt your head to one side and pull
gently on each earlobe to help the water run out.
● Keep your ear as dry as possible during
Then use a hair dryer.
treatment and for several days afterward. Take ● Use unperfumed
baths rather than showers. When you wash shampoos, and avoid hair
your hair, keep water out of your ears by placing dyes and styling products.
cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly inside
the entrance to each ear canal. Remove the Drying safely
pads afterward. Don’t swim until the infection Use a hair dryer on
has cleared up. a low heat and speed
setting. Hold it
● Hold a warm, dry washcloth or a covered hot- 12 in (30 cm)
water bottle against your ear to help relieve the from each ear.
pain. Taking analgesics may also help (see DRUG
REMEDIES, right).
● If you have a discharge, place a cotton ball over
the outer part of your ear to absorb it. Make sure
you change the cotton ball regularly. Don’t try to
clean your ear canal with cotton swabs, while you Seek further medical advice
have an ear infection or at other times. They can
damage your ear. Arrange to see your doctor again if:
● Your symptoms get worse or have not
begun to respond to treatment after 2 days