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Prevention Is The Best Form Of Treatment

by — Last updated: 2016-03-22 in Physical activities

Table of Contents

Often after swimming, or even taking a shower or a bath, excess water remains in the air canal, and this can lead to a painful infection. To learn how to prevent swimmer’s ear, you need to know more about what it is.

Treatment Options for Swimmer’s Ear

The most important thing to do is to stop the infection. This can be achieved with the use of medicines and cleaning of the outer ear canal. By cleaning the canal, any debris such as skin flakes, discharge and wax, it allows the eardrops to enter the infected canal more efficiently. Don’t try and clean it yourself though; a doctor has the tools and experience to do this without causing further damage.

The main medicinal form of treatment is analgesia for the pain, and eardrops, of which there are a few different ones available that depend on the type and severity of the infection. These eardrops may include components such as:

  • Antibiotic – to fight off the bacteria
  • Antifungal – for infections due to fungus
  • Steroid – for reducing inflammation of the ear canal
  • Acidic solution – this restores the antibacterial environment in your ear to normal

Preventing Swimmer’s Ear

Prevention is the best form of treatment for almost all illnesses and conditions, including swimmer’s ear. It is always best to stop the infection from occurring, rather than trying to treat it after the face. Swimmer’s ear is fairly easy to prevent, and the following tips will help you reduce the risk of developing infection in your ear canal.

Keep Them Dry

Whenever your ears have been exposed to water, particularly after swimming, showering or bathing, always ensure you dry your ears. Don’t try and dry your inner ear, just your outer ear area. Always do this with a soft cloth, and gently. By tipping your head to each side, you will also help any excess water drain out of the ear canal. Another way to dry your ears is to use a hairdryer. Be careful though, to have it set on a low heat and make sure it is held at least 1 foot away from the ear.

Safe Water for Swimming

Many public pool areas post signs up declaring if there are significant counts of bacteria in the water. If you see one of these signs, avoid swimming and wait for another day when the count is lower.

Nothing Bigger Than Your Elbow

Doctors will often tell you that you shouldn’t put anything bigger than your elbow in your ear. A lot of people use cotton buds, hairclips and even paper clips to try and clean their ears, but all this does is irritate and damage the skin in the ear canal. This opens the door for bacteria to gather, breed, and spread.

Irritating Hair Products

Your ear canals are sensitive, and it is a good idea to protect them with cotton balls before you dye your hair or apply hair spray. Don’t force the balls in though – just have them nestled gently in your ears.

Following Surgery or Infection

If you have had any surgery or a recent infection in your ear, avoid swimming, and make sure you keep your ears super dry when showering or bathing.

Protecting Your Ears

When swimming, you can use a bathing cap to protect your ears from the water. You can also get special swim molds customized to fit your ears, or use ear plugs.

READ Swimming Is A Great Way To Improve Your General Fitness

Conclusion

Preventing swimmer’s ear can save you from unnecessary pain and suffering, and it’s really not that difficult to do. If you have been swimming, and you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, get in to see your doctor as soon as you can to nip any potential infection in the bud before it gets out of control. If the pain is really severe, and you have a fever, go to the emergency room or see your doctor urgently.