Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is a condition in which the outer ear and canal get inflamed. The inflammation occurs in response to an infection caused by various types of bacteria or fungi. This sort of infection is common in summertime, when we spend lengthy hours in swimming pools. Water often gets into the ear and moistens it. Excessive moisture in the ear irritates and perforates the skin in the canal, allowing the entry of bacteria or fungi. This explains why the problem is called swimmer's ear.
But you do not always need to swim to get this problem. Anything that leads to a break or hole in the skin of the ear canal may result in otitis externa. The other causes of otitis externa are: dry skin, eczema, scratching of canal, vigorous cleaning of ear by means of cotton tipped buds or foreign objects like bobby pins or paper clips. If one is suffering from middle ear infection and has a pus build-up, the pus may reach the canal through a hole in eardrum and cause otitis externa. The symptoms of otitis externa are: severe pain, pain during chewing, fullness, itching of canal, swollen lymph nodes around the ear, cloudy, yellowish discharge from ear, soft, white wax, occasional buzzing sound in the ear, scaly outer skin of external ear, reduced hearing power. It is non-contagious in nature.
Natural Home Remedies for Swimmers Ear
1. Mix equal parts of white vinegar, water and hydrogen peroxide solution and put in to the affected ear. This is an effective home remedy for swimmers ear.
2. Pour few drops of rubbing alcohol into the affected ear. Alcohol disinfects the ear and evaporates excess moisture. It is a useful natural cure for otitis externa.
3. Put few drops of warm baby oil in to the affected ear. This home remedies eases pain and discomfort and is a good treatment for swimmers ear.
4. Apple cider vinegar is an effective cure for otitis externa. Dilute apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water and rubbing alcohol and put the solution in to the affected ear. Do this 2 times daily. It kills all bacteria and fungi.
5. If you feel wet in the ears, use a blow dryer to dry out the moisture completely. This home remedies for swimmers ear will reduce the infection.
6. Application of hot compress on the affected ear reduces pain and soreness. This is safe and natural cure for treating this infection.
Read more Home Remedies for Swimmers Ears. Also know useful Home Remedies for Snoring.
