EAR, SWIMMER'S

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD SWIMMER'S EAR

  1. White Vinegar Rinses: Rinse the ear canals twice a day with ½-strength white vinegar (dilute it with equal parts warm water).  Fill the ear canal.  After 5 minutes, remove it by turning the head to the side and moving the ear. (Exception: Don't do this if you have ear tubes or hole in eardrum.) (Reason: restores the normal acid pH of the ear canal and reduces swelling.)
  2. Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
    • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug.
    • Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
    • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  3. Local Heat: If pain is moderate to severe, apply a heating pad (set on low) or hot water bottle (wrapped in a towel) to outer ear for 20 minutes. (Caution: avoid burns.) This will also increase drainage.
  4. Avoid Earplugs: If pus or cloudy fluid is draining from the ear canal, wipe the pus away as it appears. Avoid plugging with cotton. (Reason: retained pus causes irritation or infection of the ear canal.)
  5. Prevention of Recurrences: Try to keep the ear canals dry. After showers, hair washing, and swimming, help the water run out by turning the head. Avoid cotton swabs. (Reason: removes the protective earwax of the ear canal)
  6. Avoid Swimming: Try to avoid swimming until symptoms are gone.
  7. Contagiousness: Swimmer's ear is not contagious.
  8. Expected Course: With treatment, symptoms should be better in 3 days.
  9. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Ear symptoms last longer than 3 days with treatment
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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