An infection of the skin in the ear canal or the outer ear is known as otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear. This condition is in contrast to otitis media, which is generally restricted to the inner ear area, and is characterized by persistent nasal problems. A case of swimmer’s ear can develop if water becomes trapped in your ear canal while you are bathing or swimming. When the water is trapped, it damages the skin and provides the right environment for the growth of fungus or bacteria, which can lead to infection. Go to this site for further information on hearing loss.
Such an infection is much like that which may result on the skin from a bite or a cut, and it may not be transmitted. To protect yourself from otitis externa, you can concoct your own generic elixir with vinegar and alcohol, or you can purchase the same thing at your local pharmacy. After you have gone swimming, use up to ten drops of this solution in both ears. Let these drops remain within your ear, and after a few minutes, use a tissue and allow them to drain out.
The rubbing alcohol serves to evaporate any water which remains in the ear and the vinegar will neutralize the growth of fungus or bacteria. These options will not treat infections that are already present, but they can certainly help to prevent one from being triggered to begin with. Not allowing your child to swim in polluted water, ensuring that your child refrains from inserting objects, such as cotton swabs, in their ears, and making sure that all water is removed from your child’s ears after they have been swimming or bathing, are other preventative measures that you can take to avoid trouble with swimmer’s ear.
If there is difficulty hearing, itching outside of the ear, pain when pulling back and up on the ear, pain when pressing the flap in front of the ear, or pain in front of the ear, on the cheek, these may be indications that there is a swimmer’s ear infection. An additional indication that the child has gotten swimmer’s ear is having pain in just one ear. You will gain a deeper understanding about loss of hearing by checking out that resource.
Watch for any substance coming out of the ear which resembles pus. Should you believe that your child has contracted swimmer’s ear, bring the situation to the attention of your doctor, particularly if there is a discharge from the ear. Left untreated, this type of affliction has a small chance to turn into something much more serious and dangerous. 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.
Your doctor may opt to prescribe antibiotic-steroid drops if there is swelling and the infection is severe. The antibiotic takes care of the poisons in the ear, and the steroids serve to accelerate the recovery process. In order for the drops to reach deeply enough into the ear canal when swelling is present, your doctor may need to insert a piece of cotton or sponge to act as a wick for the medicine. During treatment, your child should avoid swimming or getting any water in the ears. It will typically be a five to ten day course of treatment with ear drops.
If there continues to be a discharge from the ear, if the fever does not abate, dizziness occurs, if there is stiffness in the neck, or ear pain lasts more than 48 hours, call the doctor immediately. You should also follow up with the doctor after the treatment ends.
