Keep Swimmer's Ear Away With These Proven Methods Of Prevention

Otitis Externa, or swimmer's ear, affects the skin around the outside of the ear and the ear canal

. This condition is in contrast to otitis media, which is generally restricted to the inner ear area, and is characterized by persistent nasal problems. When water becomes lodged in the ear canal following bathing, showering, or swimming, swimmer's ear can occur. In the midst of a swimming session, water reaches the outer ear area and leaves a resulting infection.

This type of irritation is relatively benign, much like a scratch, and cannot infect someone who comes into contact with the area. To avoid getting swimmer's ear, there are non-prescription ear drops that you can purchase. You can also mix up your own with rubbing alcohol and vinegar. When using ear drops for prevention, they should be placed into the ear right after swimming or bathing (allow a few minutes to pass for the best effect), and then drain with a tissue.

The fungus or bacteria will be killed off with the vinegar, while the alcohol helps to evaporate excess water. Keep in mind that this is a preventative solution; it will not treat swimmer's ear once you develop it but it will protect you from catching it. There are some other methods you can use to prevent swimmer's ear such as making sure you completely dry your ears if water gets inside, avoid submersing yourself in polluted water and do not put any objects, including cotton swabs, in your ears.

Some signs of swimmer's ear are itching in or around the ear; hearing difficulties; discomfort in the ear if you press on certain parts of the ear, like the flap covering the ear canal or when you pull on the ear; and discomfort in the area on your face surrounding the ear. The pain does not have to occur in both ears simultaneously for swimmer's ear to be present.

Watch for any substance coming out of the ear which resembles pus. You should consult a doctor immediately if you suspect you or your child has swimmer's ear, particularly if you noticed a pus-like substance around the ear. Although unlikely, untreated or serious swimmer's ear sometimes also affects the bone and cartilage encompassing the ear canal. The pain of swimmer's ear may be alleviated by placing a warm cloth or a heating pad on the ear or by taking acetaminophen.

Antibiotic-steroid drops may be prescribed by your physician should the ear canal become swollen because of infection. The antibiotic takes care of the poisons in the ear, and the steroids serve to accelerate the recovery process. Your physician might put a wick in the child's ear if there is significant swelling of the ear canal; a wick is a bit of sponge or cotton which helps the drops to penetrate down to the ear canal. If you are given a prescription for ear drops, then you should avoid swimming or submersion in water for the duration, usually five to ten days.

Make sure to see your physician once you've completed the treatment regimen, and be sure to contact the doctor right away if the secretion does not stop, you get a fever, you become dizzy, the discomfort in your ear does not end after 2 days, or you get a sore neck.

by: kellypers

POST COMMENT

How To Make Up After A Fight Why Correcting Bad Posture Is Good For You Vitamin C - Rewards For Your Immune System The Way To Replace A Poor Tendencies With A More Effective One Order Concert Tickets at up to 75% off Pre-job Planning Prevents Falls From Ladders Alzheimers Don't Make A Record The Wrong Way Where To Get Envelope Templates How To Calculate Your Lease Payment Right Bag for Real Man Mildura - Mediterranean In The Outback Are you closing the deal?