Outer ear infection, also known as “swimming ear”, mostly affects young people or young adults who spend too much time or frequent breaks in the water (most of the time doing it) diving or Swimming) However, adults are also more likely to be affected. This infection can also occur when you damage the outer ear membranes when you clean your ears with cotton swabs or when you wear earphones such as headphones. Knowing how to treat an external ear infection will help relieve and treat the pain.
Stages to Deal with Outer Ear Infection
Part 1 – Recognize the symptoms of the infection
- Avoid itching. Itching-mild or severe can be a sign of an external ear infection. You may feel itching inside or outside your ear. However, a mild itch does not mean that you have an external ear infection.
- Avoid getting your ears wet. You should keep your ears as dry as possible until the infection is cured. Even when you take a bath, tilt your head to prevent water from entering. You need to examine that is your ear dry or wet, you should have an ear light scope for this purpose in your home medical equipment.
- Flow Notes: Any type of flow from the ear can indicate an infection, but try to make sure it is yellow or green. If the flow also removes a strong odor, there is a confirm indication of ear infection.
- Pay attention to the pain. Ear pain can indicate an infection. It gets worse if you tap on the ear, which is another obvious sign.
- In severe cases, the pain can spread to your face, which means you should see a doctor immediately because the infection is spreading.
- Find redness. Look carefully at your ear in the mirror. If you see redness, it may mean that you have an infection.
- Note on hearing loss. Hearing is a sign of an ear infection. If you start hearing loss and you experience other symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.
- At the most advanced stage of the infection, your ear canal will be filled.
- If your ear or your lymph glands become swollen, it means that the infection is at an advanced stage. Fever is another high symptom.
Part 2 – Get Rid of Infection with Home Remedies
Painkillers. Once at home, you can take painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.
Develop your ear solution. Although home remedies may not be as effective as prescription treatments, you can prepare a vinegar solution for your saline solution or a portion of water. Warm the body temperature before inserting the bulb using a syringe. Let the solution run out when the work is done.
Apply heat. You can relieve the pain with a little heat, for example by setting a heating pad at a lower temperature or with a warm damp washcloth in the microwave. When you have time to sit, apply it against your ear.
Try not to fall asleep with the heating pad as you may get burnt.
Use ear drops over the counter. At the first signs of itching, use as many anti-ear drops as possible, especially for the treatment of swimming ear infections. Put them in your ear before and after swimming.
Advice to Prevent Your Ear from Outer infections
- Outer ear infections are not contagious, which means you don’t have to avoid friends and relatives.
- Always protect your ears during the treatment.
- When you swim, cover your ears with a piece of cotton wool to prevent water from entering.
- Do not use cotton swabs to cleanse your ears as quickly as the shower has taken because ears are wettest at that time. Cotton swabs may damage your eardrum.
- You need to use a tissue paper corner especially if your ear is already bearing an infection.