Swimmers Ear Home Remedy: Natural Ways to Ease the Pain
What is Swimmers Ear?
Swimmer’s ear is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It is an infection in the outer ear canal, which runs from your eardrum to the outside of your head. Swimmer’s ear is caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungi that get into the ear canal, usually due to water that remains in the ear after swimming. It can also be caused by scratching the inside of the ear with a finger, a cotton swab, or other items.
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Ear
The most common symptom of swimmer’s ear is pain in the ear that gets worse when the outer part of the ear is pulled or pressed. Other symptoms include itching, drainage from the ear, and hearing loss. If the infection is severe, it can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause redness and swelling.
How to Treat Swimmer’s Ear at Home
Fortunately, swimmer’s ear can usually be treated with home remedies. Here are some of the most effective home remedies for swimmer’s ear:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol Solution
Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and rubbing alcohol, then use a dropper to put the solution into your affected ear. This solution will help to dry out the ear and prevent bacteria and fungi from growing. Leave the solution in your ear for about 10 minutes, then tilt your head to the side and let it drain out. Do this twice a day for several days.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can help to dry out the ear and kill bacteria and fungi. Fill a dropper with hydrogen peroxide and put a few drops into your ear. Let it sit for a few minutes and then tilt your head to the side to let the solution drain out. Do this two or three times a day for several days.
3. Garlic Oil
Garlic has natural antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an effective remedy for swimmer’s ear. To make garlic oil, heat a few cloves of garlic in a pan with some olive oil. Let it cool, then use a dropper to put a few drops into your affected ear. Leave it in for 10 minutes, then tilt your head to the side and let the oil drain out. Do this two or three times a day for several days.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has strong antiseptic properties and can help to fight infection and reduce inflammation. Put a few drops of tea tree oil into a dropper and put a few drops into your affected ear. Leave it in for 10 minutes, then tilt your head to the side and let the oil drain out. Do this two or three times a day for several days.
5. Warm Compress
A warm compress can help to reduce pain and swelling. Soak a clean cloth in warm water, then wring it out and place it over the affected ear. Leave it in place for 10 minutes, then remove it and repeat the process two or three times a day. Do this for several days until the pain and swelling subsides.
Conclusion
Swimmer’s ear is a common condition that can be treated with home remedies. The five remedies mentioned above are some of the most effective natural remedies for swimmer’s ear. However, if the pain and discomfort persist, it is best to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.