What is Swimmers Ear?
swimmers ear is also known as Otitis externa. It might be a painful condition which is seen in the outer ear. It affects the outer ear and ear canal.

The ear is divided into three parts. They are outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. When the germs or bacteria found on the outer ear it is called swimmers ear.

Both males and females are equally affected by swimmers ear. In US, nearly 10 percent of the population are affected with swimmers ear. Most of them are children and teenagers.

Ear Canal

The ear canal has a cylindrical shape. It extends from outer ear above the ear lobe and it reaches to the eardrum. the ear canal is small in length and big in width. The length of the ear canal is around 2.5 centimeters and the width comes between 7 and 9 centimeters.

The causes of Swimmers Ear
Swimmer’s ear is common in people who swim.

The primary causes for the swimmers ear are:

• Chemicals in water
• Water purification materials
• Sanitation methods
• Water trapped in ear canal

Symptoms of Swimmers Ear

One of the most common sign of swimmers ear is pain in the ear.

The primary symptoms of swimmer’s ear are:

Home remedies for Swimmers Ear
The swimmers ear might be treated with the help of home remedies:

• The Swimmers Ear might be treated with the help of an alcohol based solution which is available in the drug stores. It might evaporate the water content in the ear. Ask a doctor before using any solution in the ear
• Apply a few drops of vinegar in both the ears. Or apply apple cider vinegar diluted with alcohol or water. This might be done just after a bath or swimming in the water
• Warm some baby oil and drop it into ears and keep a small cotton ball in both the ears to hold the oil in the ear and to block the water
• Take small and equal quantities of water, white vinegar and peroxide and mix well. Drop the solution into ears and lay for one minute and let it drain to a small bowl. This might be done before going ti bed and keep a cotton after the process
• Keep the ears oiled before entering the water. This might prevent the water from entering in the ear
• A hair dryer might help to remove the trapped water content in the ear. Switch on and let the hot air enter the ears

Treating Swimmers Ear
Seeking medical treatment at the right time is essential in treating swimmer’s ear.

The primary treatment procedures for swimmer’s ear might be:

• Consulting an ENT to get the appropriate treatment to clean the ear, treat the inflammation and swelling and to control the pain. The doctor might keep a wick in the ear to hold the medicine
• Applying heat to the affected ear. A heat pad might be used to reduce the pain. Place a towel between the ear and the heat pad. This will regulate the excess heat to the ear
• Consumption of over-the-counter medications to relieve pain
• Using antiseptics, acidifying agents and antibiotics with the prescription of a medical service provider

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