Swimmer's Ear Drops

What is swimmer's ear? Well, if you are new to the concept, you might think it has something to do with water and swimming. To that, I'll say you're getting a bit close to finding the real answer. Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, is a skin infection in the ear canal. Just as someone might get a scratch or a sting on their body, this infection is located in the center of the ear, just behind the eardrum. This isn't anything similar to an infection in a person's ears, but it circulates on the exteriors of the eardrum. If a person swims in unhygienic swimming pool or the ears are wet for a longer period of time after taking a shower, the chances of developing this ear infection increases. When ears get wet or stay damp for a long time, not necessarily just after swimming, bacteria and fungi can easily aid in causing this infection. Using ear drops is one of the most useful treatments to reduce the pain and heal the infection.

But who is more likely to get this type of infection? Kids and young adults. Hence, proper precautions and cure methods should be taken into consideration. In the following article, we will see how swimmer's ear drops can help you get rid of this skin infection.

Homemade Recipes

Most people find it better to make their own ear drops at home rather than purchasing over-the-counter drops. There can be many reasons to that - to save money, save time, or perhaps they are allergic to some medications. In that case, the following home remedies sound much better.

Recipe #1
In a pan, mix 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and half a garlic clove. Heat the ingredients till it turns warm and take the pan off the stove. Make sure the mixture is not very hot because we have to pour 4-5 drops inside the ear. After doing so, lie on the bed, on your side for about 15 minutes. Turn on the other side and again pour 4-5 drops in the other ear. Lie still for 15 minutes. This garlic oil for ear infection works great.

Recipe #2
If you are experiencing ear pain after swimming, this next recipe will work as a precaution rather than cure. In a bowl, mix 1 oz. drops of rubbing alcohol and distilled white vinegar each properly. Each time you come out after swimming in a pool or lake, pour few drops in each ear. This will help prevent the infection way before it gets a chance to begin. If your ears are already sore or infected, don't pour alcohol inside. You can use white vinegar only.

Recipe #3
For the next recipe, take a bowl to mix 1 part white vinegar and 1 part warm water. Mix the liquid properly and pour 3-4 drops in one ear and lie on the bed, on your side, for about 15 minutes. Turn on the other side and again pour 3-4 drops in the other ear. Lie still for 15 minutes. Let the drops dry in both ears and be absorbed in your ears. Don't place any cotton balls to soak the drops. Even the water-vinegar mixture is a good earache home remedy.

Those were some swimmer's ear treatment that can be done right at home. You can easily steer clear of the ear problem. Make sure you speak to your doctor before the pain and infection gets any worse. Stay out of the water for at least 10 days or so or till you get an OK from your doctor. And most of all, if you get swimmer's ear way too often, then use ear plugs while swimming, dry the ears right after you come of the water and make sure to clean them regularly.