Swimmer's ear is an outer ear canal infection. The outer ear canal runs from your eardrum to the outside, visible portion of your ear. Swimmer's ear may occur when water is left in your ear after swimming, which aids bacterial growth and entry into moist and soft skin. It may also occur due to bacteria that invades your ear canal during swimming. There are several natural treatments that you can use to ease discomfort, get rid of swimmer's ear, and even prevent swimmer's ear from occurring in the first place.
Prevention
Swimming is enjoyable for all ages and the fear of getting swimmer's ear shouldn't take the pleasure out of this activity. Prevent swimmer's ear by keeping your outer ears dry with a towel. Tip your head from side to side slowly so water drains out of your ear canal. In addition, avoid swimming in bodies of water that have bacteria count alerts, and don't put foreign objects in your ear to avoid irritation and broken skin. Place ear plugs or cotton balls in your ears while spraying potential irritants like suntan lotion or hairspray, and talk to your doctor before swimming if you've had recent ear surgery or a recent ear infection.
Alcohol and Vinegar
If you do get swimmer's ear, alcohol not only cleans the outer ear, but it evaporates water. Soak a cotton ball with alcohol and gently wipe your ear canal. Make sure you are gentle and don't stick the cotton too far inside your ear. Vinegar also works well to halt bacterial growth because of its acidic nature. Use a dropper and place a few drops of white vinegar in both ears. Leave the vinegar in your ears for four or five minutes before turning your head to the side to let the solution drain. Do this twice daily for three or four days. You can also mix equal parts white vinegar, peroxide and water, then use a dropper to place a few drops in each ear. Keep the mixture in your ears for one minute, let it drain, then place a piece of cotton in each ear.
Garlic
Garlic is highly regarded as a natural medicine because of its antibacterial properties due to a compound called allicin. Purchase garlic oil and use it as an antibiotic wash to rinse out your ears. It is also possible to make garlic oil at home.
See a Doctor
Swimmer's ear can usually be treated effectively at home with natural remedies. If you experience severe pain or your swimmer's ear isn't responding to home treatments, see your doctor. You may need antibiotic or anti-fungal ear drops.
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