Swimmer’s ear is inflammation, irritation or infection in ear canal or outer ear; this causes flow of pus-like fluids which can cause moderate to severe pain. This is easily caused by swimming in polluted or infected water, thus deriving its name swimmers ear. Excess moisture caused by spending too much time in water or due to other reasons cause irritation in the skin of ear canal to allow bacteria and fungi to settle in. Problems like eczema, problem in the bone of skull, poor skin condition, scratching of ear by rough material, dry skin, diabetes and folliculitis, all of these can cause swimmers ear.
Home remedies for swimmers ear are highly effective treatment to cure the problem and prevent the complication at an early stage. Pain in the ear is primary symptoms of the problem – this pain gets worse when ear is stretch or pulled; feeling of fullness and redness, swelling and presence pus-like fluid yellow or greenish-yellow in color are other symptoms of the problem. These methods not only curb the symptoms but also cure the problem before it aggravates.
Home Remedies for Swimmers Ear
White Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix white vinegar, water and hydrogen peroxide in equal parts, put few drops of this mixture in the ear, let it stay for couple of minutes and then turn the head to allow the mixture to come out. Block the ear with a cotton ball later; repeat the same process for another ear. This will relieve the pain and swelling and will also curb the infection to cure the problem in a short time. This is one of the best home remedies for swimmers ear.
Salt Bag Hot Compresses
Salt bag hot compresses are one of the oldest home remedies for swimmers ear. Take two-three tablespoons of salt, wrap it in a clean cloth and heat it on a dry pan. Make sure that bag is not too hot and press it against the troubling ear, repeat it few times and take this treatment at least twice in a day. This helps in reducing swelling and calming pain in a short time.
Baby Oil
Baby oil has been found very useful for curing the problem, take one teaspoon of baby oil and heat it on a low flame, make sure that oil does not get too hot. Put few drops of this oil in the affected ear. This will cure skin dryness and also helps in fighting back bacteria and fungi which causes pain and swelling to cure the problem.
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Essential Oil
Prepare an essential oil mixture by taking a tablespoon of sweet almond oil and one drop each of tea tree oil and lavender oil, also add three drops of roman chamomile. Apply this mixture gently over entire inner area of ear and let it stay, dip an ear bud in the mixture and very gently apply this mixture in the ear canal. This will eradicate the infection in a short time.
Tea Tree Oil
Few drops of tea tree oil can also do the trick. This oil works as easiest home remedies for swimmers ear. Just put few drops of tea tree oil in the ear and let the oil flow out after few minutes, repeat the same for another ear and repeat the treatment twice in a day regularly for few days to cure the problem.
Garlic Oil
Like tea tree oil, garlic oil is also very beneficial; garlic possesses powerful anti-bacterial and antifungal properties which are of immense use in diffusing swelling and curing infection. Use of garlic oil is also one of the best home remedies for swimmers ear.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol also provides one of the most effective home remedies for swimmers ear. Gently massage ear with rubbing alcohol and also the ear canal with the help of a bud. Let this stay and repeat this treatment regularly to cure the problem.
Onion
Onion also provides one of the fast-acting remedies for swimmers ear. Cut the onion in two halves and slice it, either by using blender or a piece of cloth work out few drops of its juice. Take it in a teaspoon and just mildly heat it, put this juice in the ear, block the ear with a cotton ball to let the juice take its effects. Regular use of onion juice cures the problem in few days.
Take Some Precautions for Ears
Those who frequently swim or are fond of it, shall take some precautions, these also work as effective home remedies for swimmers ear. Block the ears with cotton ball to prevent water from entering ear canal. After swimming, drying ear canal with the help of a hairdryer prevents infections from settling in; do not scratch the inner parts of ear to take out wax or water.
Eating Supportive Diet
Eating supportive diet also helps in curing the problem, fruits and vegetables like broccoli, lemon, Brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes and oranges are good for curing swimmers ear. These foods elevate activity of immune system and relieve swelling and also fight back infection effectively.